Process for recycling polyethylene terephthalate using porous granular filtration material

Abstract

A method for producing a first intermediate product comprises the steps of: a) providing a raw material comprising a first polyester; b) contacting the first polyester with a further organic compound, preferably in volume V3, to obtain a further initial mixture; c) reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in volume V3, to obtain a first intermediate mixture, wherein the first intermediate mixture comprises i) the first intermediate product; and ii) the further organic compound; d) adding a first granular material to the first intermediate mixture, preferably in volume V4; e) pre-coating a filtration means with the first granular material; and f) at least partially removing at least one impurity from the first intermediate mixture using the filtration means, wherein the median pore size of the first granular material is in the range of 5 μm to 20 μm, preferably in the range of 10 μm to 20 μm, more preferably in the range of 15 μm to 18 μm.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a first intermediate product from a first polyester, for example, a method for producing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) oligomer from PET flakes. The present invention also relates to a first intermediate product obtained by the aforementioned method. The present invention further relates to a method for producing a further intermediate product using the first intermediate product, for example, the production of a PET polymer using a PET oligomer. The present invention also relates to the further intermediate product. The present invention also relates to an article comprising the further intermediate product, for example, a PET yarn. [Background technology]

[0002] Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used and economically important thermoplastic polymers. PET is used in textiles, food and beverage containers such as bottles, and films.

[0003] Despite its widespread use, PET is not biodegradable, and PET-containing products pose serious ecological concerns. Therefore, methods for recycling PET are crucial to reducing the amount of PET waste. One recycling method involves reducing PET to the chemical components used to manufacture PET and then polymerizing these components to obtain recycled PET. This is known as chemical recycling. Disadvantages of chemical recycling processes include generally very low energy efficiency, ecological friendliness, and low throughput. In particular, when PET is depolymerized into monomers, long depolymerization times are required, resulting in the generation of large amounts of degradation products that cannot be removed from the recycled PET. Furthermore, chemically recycled PET often needs to be blended with virgin PET to obtain a sufficiently high-quality recycled PET product.

[0004] Chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate is described, for example, in Bartolome et al. (2012), "Recent Developments in the Chemical Recycling of PET, Material Recycling - Trends and Perspectives." EP 3778744 A1 discloses a method for recycling PET, which involves blending virgin PET liquid material (virgin PET liquid material is defined as the chemical components required for the production of virgin PET, i.e., PET not obtained using a recycling method) with recycled PET. CN 109134244 A discloses a method for recycling PET using both glycol and methanol to depolymerize PET. CN 108395373 A discloses a method for recycling PET using ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 3778744A1 [Patent Document 2] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 109134244A [Patent Document 3] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 108395373A [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Bartolome et al. (2012), Recent Developments in the Chemical Recycling of PET, Material Recycling - Trends and Perspectives Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the drawbacks encountered in the prior art.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product that can remove more impurities during production of the first intermediate product, including raw materials containing impurities such as sand and polyvinyl chloride (used in the method for producing the first intermediate product).

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product that allows for the removal of more caustic substances during production of the first intermediate product, which may be present, for example, because the raw materials (used in the method for producing the first intermediate product) have been subjected to a caustic wash.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product that can more effectively remove adhesive adhering to raw materials (used in the method for producing the first intermediate product).

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product that increases the transport rate of the feedstock through a production plant, where feedstock refers to the feedstock of the method for producing the first intermediate product and production plant refers to the plant that produces the first intermediate product.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product that reduces the occurrence of clogging, for example clogging that occurs in the manufacturing plant used to produce the first intermediate product.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing the first intermediate product which allows for an increased filtration capacity of the first intermediate product.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product that extends the life of the filtration means used to filter the first intermediate product.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing the first intermediate product that requires less energy.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product with improved throughput.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product that has a reduced carbon footprint.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product with improved purity.

[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing the first intermediate product which produces less by-products such as diethylene glycol.

[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a first intermediate product that can be used in a process for producing a further intermediate product.

[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing further intermediate products which requires less energy.

[0022] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing further intermediate products that has a reduced carbon footprint.

[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing further intermediate products with increased throughput.

[0024] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing further intermediate products in which the polymerization time is reduced.

[0025] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a further intermediate product, which further intermediate product has improved color quality.

[0026] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a further intermediate product, which further intermediate product has improved strength.

[0027] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a further intermediate product, which method results in an improved purity of the further intermediate product.

[0028] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a further intermediate product, wherein the further intermediate product is obtained by increasing the amount of the first intermediate product used, for example, the further intermediate product is a PET polymer obtained by polymerization of a PET oligomer and a PET monomer (first intermediate product), the PET oligomer and the PET monomer being obtained by depolymerization of a PET product, and the PET polymer being obtained by adding less than 1% of virgin PET oligomers and esters that can be used in the production of PET.

[0029] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a further intermediate product, which further intermediate product is more uniform, e.g. has a narrower polydispersity index and / or can be dyed more uniformly.

[0030] It is a further object of the present invention to provide further intermediate products with improved color quality.

[0031] It is a further object of the present invention to provide further intermediate products of improved purity.

[0032] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a further intermediate product having improved strength.

[0033] It is a further object of the present invention to provide further intermediate products which are more uniform, for example have a narrower polydispersity index and / or can be dyed more uniformly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0034] Any one of the embodiments of the present invention contributes to at least partially achieving at least one of the above-mentioned objects.

[0035] A first embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a first intermediate product, the method comprising: a step a) of providing a feedstock comprising a first polyester; a step b) of contacting the first polyester with a further organic compound, preferably in volume V3, to obtain a further initial mixture; a step c) of reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in volume V3, to obtain a first intermediate mixture, the first intermediate mixture comprising: i. a first intermediate product; ii. Further organic compounds and step c, a step d of adding a first granular material to the first intermediate mixture, preferably in volume V4; a step e) of pre-coating the filtering means with a first particulate material; a step f of at least partially removing at least one impurity from the first intermediate mixture using a filtration means; Including, The median pore size of the first particulate material is in the range of 5 μm to 20 μm, preferably in the range of 10 μm to 20 μm, and more preferably in the range of 15 μm to 18 μm.

[0036] In one aspect of the first embodiment, the first particulate material is preferably adapted and configured for adsorption. In another aspect of the first embodiment, the first particulate material is preferably adapted and configured for decolorization. In a further aspect of the first embodiment, the first particulate material is preferably porous. In one aspect of the first embodiment, the first particulate material is particularly preferably adapted and configured for filtration, more preferably microfiltration. Microfiltration is the filtration of particles in the range of 0.5 μm to 10 μm. In one aspect of the first embodiment, the first intermediate product preferably further comprises a first organic compound. In one aspect of the first embodiment, the additional organic compound is preferably in liquid form. In one aspect of the first embodiment, the first particulate material is preferably at least partially removed from the first intermediate product, more preferably at least partially removed using a filtration means. For example, both the at least one impurity and the first particulate material are at least partially removed. In one aspect of the first embodiment, the particle size of the particles (e.g., at least one impurity, first particulate material) to be removed is preferably greater than 100 nm, more preferably greater than 150 nm, and even more preferably greater than 200 nm. In one aspect of the first embodiment, the particle size of the particles (e.g., at least one impurity, first particulate material) to be removed is preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or less, also more preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 5 mm or less.

[0037] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the density of the first polyester in the raw material is 1.25 g / cm 3 ~1.55g / cm 3 more preferably in the range of 1.28 g / cm 3 ~1.50g / cm 3 more preferably in the range of 1.31 g / cm 3 ~1.47g / cm 3 This preferred embodiment is the second embodiment of the present invention, and the second embodiment is preferably dependent on the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In one aspect of the second embodiment, the first polyester example has a density of 1.33 g / cm 3 ~1.39g / cm 3 and amorphous PET with a density in the range of 1.455 g / cm 3 It is a single crystal PET.

[0039] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first polyester is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyester carbonate, polyarylate, polyester resin, preferably unsaturated polyester resin, and combinations of two or more thereof. This preferred embodiment is a third embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the first or second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] In one aspect of the third embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the first polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.

[0041] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the raw material comprises at least 65 wt %, more preferably at least 85 wt %, even more preferably at least 95 wt %, and even more preferably at least 99 wt % of the first polyester, based on the total weight of the raw material. This preferred embodiment is a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] In one aspect of the fourth embodiment, the first polyester is preferably polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect of the fourth embodiment, the feedstock preferably comprises less than 1 wt. % polyamide, more preferably less than 0.1 wt. %, and even more preferably less than 0.01 wt. %, based on the total weight of the feedstock.

[0043] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the bulk density of the raw material is 0.10 g / cm 3~0.75g / cm 3 more preferably in the range of 0.15 g / cm 3 ~0.65g / cm 3 and more preferably 0.18 g / cm 3 ~0.50g / cm 3 more preferably in the range of 0.20 g / cm 3 ~0.40g / cm 3 and more preferably in the range of 0.22 g / cm 3 ~0.37g / cm 3 This preferred embodiment is a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and the fifth embodiment is preferably dependent on any one of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the raw material further contains at least one impurity. This preferred embodiment is a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the content of at least one impurity in the raw material is in the range of 10 ppm by weight to 10,000 ppm by weight, more preferably in the range of 20 ppm by weight to 4,000 ppm by weight, even more preferably in the range of 30 ppm by weight to 3,000 ppm by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 40 ppm by weight to 2,500 ppm by weight, the weights being based on the total weight of the raw material. This preferred embodiment is a seventh embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] In one aspect of the seventh embodiment, the ppm value indicated for the at least one impurity is preferably measured after the feedstock has been subjected to a washing step. In another aspect of the seventh embodiment, the ppm value indicated for the at least one impurity is preferably measured when the first polyester is provided in the form of multiple fragments.

[0047] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first polyester in the raw material is in the form of a plurality of fragments. This preferred embodiment is an eighth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the first to seventh embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the pieces are in a form selected from the group consisting of flakes, threads, fibers, particles, shards, sheets, films, and combinations of two or more thereof. This preferred embodiment is a ninth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In one aspect of the ninth embodiment, flakes are particularly preferred.

[0050] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, based on the total weight of the plurality of fragments in the feedstock, at least 50 wt %, more preferably at least 60 wt %, also more preferably at least 70 wt %, even more preferably at least 80 wt %, and even more preferably at least 85 wt % of the fragments are a. a first dimension in the range of 0.1 mm to 25.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 20.0 mm, even more preferably in the range of 1.0 mm to 15.0 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 2.5 mm to 13 mm; b. The thickness is in the range of 0.1 mm to 3.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 3.0 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 0.3 mm to 2.7 mm. It has at least one or all of the following:

[0051] This preferred embodiment is the tenth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the eighth or ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] An example of the first dimension in the tenth embodiment is width and length. In one aspect of the tenth embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a + b.

[0053] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, based on the total weight of the pieces in the raw material, 30% by weight or less, more preferably 27% by weight or less, even more preferably 23% by weight or less, and even more preferably 20% by weight or less of the pieces have a thickness of 1.0 mm or more. This preferred embodiment is an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the eighth to tenth embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] In optional aspects of the eleventh embodiment, the thickness of the pieces is 1.0 mm or greater, in the range of 1% to 30% by weight, optionally in the range of 2% to 27% by weight, optionally in the range of 5% to 23% by weight, or optionally in the range of 7% to 20% by weight. In one aspect of the eleventh embodiment, the weight percent ranges apply to pieces having a thickness preferably in the range of 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 1.0 mm to 3.5 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 1.0 mm to 2.7 mm.

[0055] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the plurality of fragments are at least partially sorted according to physical properties. This preferred embodiment is a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the eighth to eleventh embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] In one aspect of the twelfth embodiment, the at least partial sorting is preferably performed according to at least one of the following: weight, thickness, color, optical classification based on light absorption, electrical properties, aerodynamic properties, width, length, geometric shape (e.g., curvature), and combinations of two or more thereof. In one aspect of the twelfth embodiment, the sorting is preferably performed before contacting the feedstock with the first amount of the first organic compound, preferably in volume V1. In one aspect of the twelfth embodiment, the physical property is preferably not the density of the fragments.

[0057] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the plurality of fragments comprises: a.Sieve and b. a gravity separator; c. Means adapted and arranged for settling; d. Centrifuge and are at least partially screened using at least one or all of the following:

[0058] This preferred embodiment is a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] In one aspect of the thirteenth embodiment, all possible combinations of features a through d are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; d; a + b; a + c; a + d; b + c; b + d; c + d; a + b + c; a + b + d; a + c + d; b + c + d; a + b + c + d. In one aspect of the thirteenth embodiment, it is preferred to use a means that does not use the density of the first polyester for at least partial sorting. In one aspect of the thirteenth embodiment, gravity separators are particularly preferred. In this aspect, gravity separators that do not require a fluid for at least partial sorting are more preferred. Suitable gravity separators are available, for example, from Cimbria Heid GmbH (Austria).

[0060] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first organic compound is a. the property of containing at least two hydroxyl groups, for example, a diol having two hydroxyl groups, a triol having three hydroxyl groups; b. a molar mass of at least 60 g / mol; c. A boiling point of at least 192°C, more preferably at least 195°C; It has at least one or all of the following:

[0061] This preferred embodiment is a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, and the fourteenth embodiment preferably depends on any one of the first to thirteenth embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] Examples of the first organic compound include (mono)ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerol. In one aspect of the fourteenth embodiment, all possible combinations of features a-c are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c. In one aspect of the fourteenth embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the first organic compound is (mono)ethylene glycol, more preferably monoethylene glycol. In one aspect of the fourteenth embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the first organic compound is not propylene glycol.

[0063] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises contacting the feedstock with a first amount of a first organic compound, preferably in volume V1, to obtain a first initial mixture, the first amount being in liquid form. This preferred embodiment is a 15th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] In one aspect of the fifteenth embodiment, the feedstock is preferably contacted with the first amount of the first organic compound before contacting the first polyester with a further amount of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the fifteenth embodiment, at least a portion of the first amount of the first organic compound is preferably provided to volume V1 before contacting the feedstock with the first amount of the first organic compound. In this aspect, the temperature of at least a portion of the first amount of the first organic compound provided to volume V1 is preferably in the range of 100°C to 160°C, more preferably in the range of 115°C to 145°C. In one aspect of the fifteenth embodiment, the first polyester is preferably provided to volume V1 before contacting the feedstock with the first amount of the first organic compound. In this aspect, the temperature of the first polyester provided to volume V1 is preferably in the range of 0°C to 60°C, more preferably in the range of 10°C to 40°C. In one aspect of the fifteenth embodiment, at least a portion of the first amount of the first organic compound and the feedstock are preferably provided separately to volume V1 before contacting the feedstock with the first amount of the first organic compound. For example, this portion of the first quantity and the ingredient are fed into volume V1 using different inlets.

[0065] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the mass ratio of the raw materials, more preferably the first polyester, to the first amount of the first organic compound in volume part V1 is preferably in the range of 0.02 to 3, more preferably in the range of 0.04 to 2.8, even more preferably in the range of 0.06 to 2.6, even more preferably in the range of 0.08 to 2.4, and even more preferably in the range of 0.09 to 2.2. This preferred embodiment is a 16th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 15th embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] In one aspect of the sixteenth embodiment, the mass ratio of the raw materials, more preferably the first polyester and the first organic compound, in volume portion V1 is preferably in the range of 0.02 to 1.3, more preferably in the range of 0.04 to 0.5, even more preferably in the range of 0.06 to 0.28, even more preferably in the range of 0.08 to 0.22, and even more preferably in the range of 0.09 to 0.16. In one aspect of the sixteenth embodiment, the temperature in volume portion V1 is preferably in the range of 55°C to 80°C. In one aspect of the sixteenth embodiment, the temperature in volume portion V1 is more preferably less than 79°C. In one aspect of the sixteenth embodiment, the temperature in volume portion V1 is preferably in the range of 65°C to 77°C.

[0067] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the temperature of the first initial mixture in volume V1 is in the range of 50° C. to 90° C., more preferably in the range of 55° C. to 85° C., still more preferably in the range of 55° C. to 80° C., even more preferably in the range of 60° C. to 80° C., and still more preferably in the range of 65° C. to 77° C. This preferred embodiment is the 17th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 15th or 16th embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] In one aspect of the seventeenth embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the temperature of the first initial mixture be below the glass transition temperature of the first polyester. In one aspect of the seventeenth embodiment, it is preferred that the temperature of the first polyester in volume V1 differs from the temperature of the first organic compound in volume V1 by less than 4%, more preferably less than 2%, and even more preferably less than 1%.

[0069] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester in volume part V1 is in the range of 0.50 dL / g to 1.00 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.60 dL / g to 0.95 dL / g, even more preferably in the range of 0.70 dL / g to 0.90 dL / g, and even more preferably in the range of 0.76 dL / g to 0.84 dL / g. This preferred embodiment is an 18th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 15th to 17th embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, a. the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester changes by less than 15%, more preferably less than 10%, and more preferably less than 7%, even more preferably less than 5%, and even more preferably less than 3%; b. the weight average molar mass of the first polyester varies by less than 20%, more preferably less than 15%, even more preferably less than 10%, even more preferably less than 7%, and even more preferably less than 5%. At least one or all of these are applied to the first polyester in volume V1.

[0071] This preferred embodiment is a 19th embodiment of the present invention, and the 19th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 15th to 18th embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] In one aspect of the nineteenth embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0073] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, a. the weight average molar mass of the first polyester before contact with the first amount of the first organic compound is in the range of 50,000 Da to 73,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 54,000 Da to 68,000 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 57,000 Da to 65,000 Da; b. The weight average molar mass of the first polyester discharged from volume V1 is in the range of 40,000 Da to 76,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 44,000 Da to 74,000 Da, even more preferably in the range of 48,000 Da to 72,000 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 50,000 Da to 70,000 Da. At least one or all of the following applies:

[0074] This preferred embodiment is a twentieth embodiment of the present invention, and the twentieth embodiment preferably depends on any one of the fifteenth to nineteenth embodiments of the present invention.

[0075] In one aspect of the twentieth embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a + b. In one aspect of the twentieth embodiment, the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester discharged from volume V1 is preferably in the range of 51,000 Da to 55,000 Da.

[0076] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the relative ratio of the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the raw material to the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity at the outlet of volume V1 is 15 or more, more preferably 20 or more, also more preferably 25 or more, even more preferably 30 or more, and even more preferably 35 or more. This preferred embodiment is a 21st embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 15th to 20th embodiments of the present invention.

[0077] In one aspect of the twenty-first embodiment, the relative ratio of the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the raw material to the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity at the outlet of volume V1 is preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 500 or less, and even more preferably 250 or less.

[0078] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the residence time of the first polyester in volume V1 is in the range of 5 to 45 minutes, more preferably in the range of 8 to 40 minutes, and even more preferably in the range of 10 to 30 minutes. This preferred embodiment is a 22nd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 15th to 21st embodiments of the present invention.

[0079] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the pressure in volume V1 is in the range of 75 kPa to 130 kPa, more preferably in the range of 90 kPa to 115 kPa, even more preferably in the range of 95 kPa to 107 kPa, and even more preferably in the range of 98 kPa to 103 kPa. This preferred embodiment is a 23rd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 15th to 22nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] In one aspect of the twenty-third embodiment, the pressure in volume V1 is preferably atmospheric pressure.

[0081] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of stirring the first initial mixture, preferably at volume V1. This preferred embodiment is a 24th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 15th to 23rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] In one aspect of the twenty-fourth embodiment, the first initial mixture is preferably agitated using mechanical means adapted and arranged for agitation, non-mechanical means adapted and arranged for agitation, or a combination thereof. In this aspect, the mechanical means, non-mechanical means, or both are more preferably adapted and arranged to suspend particles in the liquid, e.g., suspending multiple fragments of the feedstock in the first organic compound. Particle suspension can be achieved, for example, by using mechanical agitation means with a revolutions per minute greater than a minimum value. In one aspect of the twenty-fourth embodiment, the first initial mixture is preferably agitated to allow impurities to float to the surface of the first initial mixture. This can be achieved, for example, by using agitation means with a revolutions per minute less than a maximum value.

[0083] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises at least partially removing at least one impurity from the first initial mixture, preferably in volume V1. This preferred embodiment is a 25th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 15th to 24th embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] In one aspect of the twenty-fifth embodiment, the at least one impurity is preferably present in the feedstock. In one aspect of the twenty-fifth embodiment, a floatable separation means is preferably used to at least partially remove the at least one impurity. In a further aspect of the twenty-fifth embodiment, the at least one impurity is preferably at least partially removed using skimming, filtration, or a combination thereof.

[0085] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of transporting the first polyester, preferably from volume V1 to volume V2. This preferred embodiment is a 26th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 25th embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] In one aspect of the 26th embodiment, it is preferred that the first polyester be transported to volume V2 after the feedstock has contacted the first amount of the first organic compound in volume V1. In another aspect of the 26th embodiment, it is preferred that at least a portion of the first organic compound in volume V1 be transported to volume V2 along with the first polyester. In another aspect of the 26th embodiment, it is preferred that at least a portion of the first organic compound in volume V2 be transported (e.g., flowed) from volume V2 to volume V1. In one aspect of the 26th embodiment, it is preferred that the first polyester be transported to volume V2 before contacting the first polyester with additional organic compound. In one aspect of the 26th embodiment, it is preferred that the direction of transport of the first polyester through volume V2 is at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity, more preferably opposite to the direction of gravity. In one aspect of the 26th embodiment, volume V2 is preferably at least partially vertically oriented, more preferably vertically oriented. At least partially vertically disposed should be understood to mean that the longest dimension (e.g., length) of volume V2 is preferably not parallel to the ground. For example, if volume V2 is vertically disposed, the length of volume V2 is perpendicular to the ground.

[0087] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, volume V2 is at least partially filled with a first organic compound, i. the level of the first organic compound in volume V1 is at a height H1 above the floor; ii. the level of the first organic compound in volume V2 is at a height H2 above the floor; H1 <H2である。

[0088] This preferred embodiment is a 27th embodiment of the present invention, and the 27th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 15th to 26th embodiments of the present invention.

[0089] In one aspect of the 27th embodiment, it is preferred that at least a portion of the first organic compound in volume V2 is transferred from volume V1. In another aspect of the 27th embodiment, it is preferred that at least a portion of the first organic compound in volume V2 is added through at least one inlet to volume V2, such as an additional inlet and an additional inlet. In this aspect, it is preferred that at least 50 wt. % of the first organic compound in volume V2 is added through at least one inlet to volume V2, more preferably at least 60 wt. %, and even more preferably at least 70 wt. % of the first organic compound in volume V2 is added through at least one inlet to volume V2. The weight percentages are based on the total weight of the first organic compound in volume V2. The "additional amount of first organic compound" is an example of a portion of the first organic compound added through at least one inlet. In one aspect of the 27th embodiment, it is preferred that the first polyester is transferred from volume V1 to volume V2 by a siphon.

[0090] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the difference H2-H1 is at least 1 cm, more preferably at least 10 cm, even more preferably at least 30 cm, and even more preferably at least 60 cm. This preferred embodiment is the 28th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 27th embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] In one aspect of the twenty-eighth embodiment, the difference H2-H1 is preferably less than 250 cm, more preferably less than 180 cm, even more preferably less than 160 cm, and even more preferably less than 140 cm.

[0092] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, before entering volume V2, the first polyester is transported along a further direction, which is at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity. This preferred embodiment is a 29th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 26th to 28th embodiments of the present invention.

[0093] In one aspect of the twenty-ninth embodiment, at least a portion of the first organic compound is preferably also transported in a direction opposite to the further direction, e.g., the first polyester and a portion of the first organic compound are transported in opposite directions.

[0094] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the angle between the further direction and the horizontal plane is in the range of 12° to 45°, more preferably in the range of 17° to 40°, even more preferably in the range of 20° to 35°, and even more preferably in the range of 24° to 32°. This preferred embodiment is the 30th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 29th embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] In one aspect of the thirtieth embodiment, an example of a horizontal surface is a floor, for example the floor of a recycling plant. In one aspect of the thirtieth embodiment, the horizontal surface is preferably perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0096] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises contacting the first polyester with a further amount of a first organic compound, preferably at volume V2. This preferred embodiment is a 31st embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 30th embodiments of the present invention.

[0097] In one aspect of the thirty-first embodiment, it is preferred to contact the first polyester with an additional amount of the first organic compound before contacting the first polyester with the additional organic compound.

[0098] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of increasing the temperature of the first polyester, preferably at volume V2. This preferred embodiment is the 32nd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 31st embodiments of the present invention.

[0099] In one aspect of the thirty-second embodiment, the temperature is preferably increased by contacting the first polyester with an additional amount of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the thirty-second embodiment, the temperature is preferably increased before contacting the first polyester with the additional organic compound.

[0100] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the temperature in volume V2 is in the range of 50° C. to 220° C., more preferably in the range of 60° C. to 210° C., more preferably in the range of 65° C. to 205° C., and even more preferably in the range of 68° C. to 200° C. This preferred embodiment is the 33rd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 26th to 32nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0101] In one aspect of the thirty-third embodiment, the temperature in volume V2 is preferably the temperature of the mixture comprising the first polyester and the first organic compound.

[0102] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, volume V2 comprises a first zone and a further zone, a. the relative ratio of the temperature in the first zone to the temperature in the further zone is in the range of 0.2 to 1.0, more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 0.9, and even more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 0.8; b. The relative ratio of the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first zone to the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the further zone is in the range of 0.01 to 0.90, more preferably in the range of 0.02 to 0.60, even more preferably in the range of 0.03 to 0.30, and even more preferably in the range of 0.04 to 0.15; At least one or all of the following applies:

[0103] This preferred embodiment is the 34th embodiment of the present invention, and the 34th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 26th to 33rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0104] In one aspect of the thirty-fourth embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0105] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, volume V2 comprises a first zone and a further zone, a. The temperature in the first zone is in the range of 50°C to 220°C, preferably in the range of 50°C to 190°C, more preferably in the range of 60°C to 180°C, still more preferably in the range of 65°C to 170°C, even more preferably in the range of 68°C to 160°C, and still more preferably in the range of 68°C to 150°C; b. the temperature in the further zone is in the range of 120°C to 220°C, more preferably in the range of 130°C to 210°C, even more preferably in the range of 135°C to 205°C, and even more preferably in the range of 138°C to 200°C; c. The mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first zone is in the range of 0.1 to 0.9, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 0.8, even more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 0.6, and even more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 0.5; d. the weight ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the further zone is in the range of 1 to 20, more preferably in the range of 2 to 16, even more preferably in the range of 3 to 12, and even more preferably in the range of 5 to 10; At least one or all of the following applies:

[0106] This preferred embodiment is a 35th embodiment of the present invention, and the 35th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 26th to 34th embodiments of the present invention.

[0107] In one aspect of the 35th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a through c are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; d; a + b; a + c; a + d; b + c; b + d; c + d; a + b + c; a + b + d; a + c + d; b + c + d; a + b + c + d. In one aspect of the 35th embodiment, the temperature in the first zone preferably increases from the first end of the first zone to the further end of the first zone. For example, the temperature increases from 70°C measured at the first end of the first zone to 145°C measured at the further end of the first zone. In this aspect, the first end of the first zone preferably is located downstream of the further end of the first zone. For example, the first end of the first zone is located near the entrance of volume V2 where the first polyester enters volume V2. In another aspect of the 35th embodiment, the temperature within the further zone preferably increases from the first end of the further zone to the further end of the further zone. For example, the temperature increases from 140°C measured at the first end of the further zone to 200°C measured at the further end of the further zone. In this aspect, the first end of the further zone preferably is located downstream of the further end of the further zone. For example, the further end of the further zone is located near the outlet of volume V2 where the first polyester exits volume V2. For example, moving from the inlet to the outlet of volume V2, the ends of the zones are arranged in the following order: first end of the first zone, further end of the first zone, first end of the further zone, and further end of the further zone. In another aspect of the 35th embodiment, the further end of the first zone preferably constitutes the first end of the further zone. In one aspect of the 35th embodiment, in feature a, it is particularly preferred that the temperature in the first zone is in the range of 50° C. to 190° C., more preferably in the range of 60° C. to 180° C., still more preferably in the range of 65° C. to 170° C., even more preferably in the range of 68° C. to 160° C., and even more preferably in the range of 68° C. to 150° C. In one aspect of the 35th embodiment, in feature a, the temperature in the first zone is preferably in the range of 60° C. to 210° C., more preferably in the range of 60° C. to 200° C., still more preferably in the range of 65° C. to 197° C., and even more preferably in the range of 67° C. to 196° C.In one aspect of the 35th embodiment, in Feature a, it is particularly preferred that the temperature in the first zone be in the range of 50°C to 196°C, more preferably in the range of 55°C to 196°C, even more preferably in the range of 60°C to 196°C, even more preferably in the range of 65°C to 196°C, and even more preferably in the range of 68°C to 196°C. In one aspect of the 35th embodiment, in Feature a, it is preferred that the temperature in the first zone be below the boiling point of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the 35th embodiment, in Feature b, it is preferred that the temperature in the further zone be in the range of 160°C to 220°C, more preferably in the range of 170°C to 210°C, even more preferably in the range of 180°C to 200°C, even more preferably in the range of 185°C to 196°C, and even more preferably in the range of 190°C to 196°C. In one aspect of the 35th embodiment, in Feature b, it is preferred that the temperature in the further zone be below the boiling point of the first organic compound.

[0108] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, a. a first portion of the additional amount of the first organic compound contacting the first polyester is in gaseous, e.g., vapor, form; b. a further portion of the additional amount of the first organic compound in contact with the first polyester is in liquid form; At least one or all of the following applies:

[0109] This preferred embodiment is the 36th embodiment of the present invention, and the 36th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 31st to 35th embodiments of the present invention.

[0110] In the 36th embodiment, the first portion and the further portion are measured in weight percent, based on the total weight of the further amount of the first organic compound contacted with the first polyester. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a + b. In the 36th embodiment, "portions" (e.g., first portion, further portion) should preferably be understood to include a value of 100 weight percent. For example, in one aspect of the 36th embodiment where only feature a applies, the first portion would be 100 weight percent. In the 36th embodiment, the first portion should preferably be understood to include the first organic compound that was initially in gaseous form but condensed before contacting the first polyester. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, in feature a, the temperature of the first portion of the further amount of the first organic compound is preferably above the boiling point of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, in Feature a, the temperature of the first portion of the additional amount of the first organic compound is preferably in the range of 200°C to 240°C, more preferably in the range of 210°C to 230°C. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, in Feature b, the temperature of the additional portion of the additional amount of the first organic compound is preferably below the boiling point of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, in Feature b, the temperature of the additional portion of the additional amount of the first organic compound is preferably in the range of 180°C to 196°C, more preferably in the range of 190°C to 196°C.

[0111] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first portion comprises 50% to 90% by weight of the additional amount of the first organic compound, more preferably 55% to 85% by weight, even more preferably 60% to 80% by weight, and even more preferably 65% ​​to 75% by weight. The weight percentages are based on the total weight of the additional amount of the first organic compound. This preferred embodiment is the 37th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 36th embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] In a thirty-seventh embodiment, the sum of the weight percent of the first portion and the weight percent of the further portion equals 100 weight percent. For example, if the first portion accounts for 55 weight percent of the further amount of the first organic compound, the further portion accounts for the remaining 45 weight percent of the further amount of the first organic compound.

[0113] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the first polyester enters volume V2 through at least one first type of inlet, a. at least a portion (e.g., a first portion) of the additional quantity of the first organic compound, preferably in gaseous form, enters volume V2 through at least one additional type of inlet, the at least one additional type of inlet being adapted and arranged such that the flow direction of the additional quantity of the first organic compound through volume V2 is at least partially along the transport direction of the first polyester through volume V2, and the additional quantity of the first organic compound enters through the at least one additional type of inlet; b. at least a portion (e.g., a further portion) of the further quantity of the first organic compound, preferably in liquid form, enters volume V2 through at least one further type of inlet, the at least one further type of inlet being adapted and arranged such that the flow direction of the further quantity of the first organic compound through volume V2 is at least partially opposite to the direction of transport of the first polyester through volume V2, and the further quantity of the first organic compound enters through the at least one further type of inlet; At least one or all of the following applies:

[0114] This preferred embodiment is the 38th embodiment of the present invention, and the 38th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 31st to 37th embodiments of the present invention.

[0115] In one aspect of the 38th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 38th embodiment, the transport direction of the first polyester through volume V2 is preferably parallel to the length of volume V2. In one aspect of the 38th embodiment, the transport direction of the first polyester through volume V2 is preferably at least partially opposite the direction of gravity. In this aspect, the transport direction is more preferably opposite the direction of gravity. In one aspect of the 38th embodiment, the portion of feature a is preferably a first portion of a further amount of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the 38th embodiment, the portion of feature b is preferably a further portion of a further amount of the first organic compound.

[0116] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, at least one impurity is present in volume V2. This preferred embodiment is a 39th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 26th to 38th embodiments of the present invention.

[0117] In the thirty-ninth embodiment, an example of the at least one impurity is an impurity that was present in the feedstock and was transported from volume V1 to volume V2.

[0118] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, volume V2 comprises a first zone and a further zone, and the relative ratio of the number of particles per unit area of ​​the at least one impurity in the first zone to the number of particles per unit area of ​​the at least one impurity in the further zone is at least 10, more preferably at least 15, also more preferably at least 20, even more preferably at least 25, and even more preferably at least 30. This preferred embodiment is the 40th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 39th embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] In one aspect of the fortieth embodiment, the relative ratio of the number of particles per unit area of ​​the at least one impurity in the first zone to the number of particles per unit area of ​​the at least one impurity in the further zone is preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 500 or less, and even more preferably 250 or less.

[0120] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, a. The pressure is in the range of 80 kPa to 135 kPa, more preferably in the range of 95 kPa to 120 kPa, even more preferably in the range of 100 kPa to 115 kPa, and even more preferably in the range of 104 kPa to 109 kPa; b. The overpressure is in the range of 2 kPa to 12 kPa, more preferably in the range of 4 kPa to 8 kPa, and even more preferably in the range of 5 kPa to 7 kPa. At least one or all of these are applied to volume V2.

[0121] This preferred embodiment is the 41st embodiment of the present invention, and the 41st embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 26th to 40th embodiments of the present invention.

[0122] In one aspect of the forty-first embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0123] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the residence time of the first polyester in volume V2 is in the range of 30 to 270 minutes, more preferably in the range of 50 to 250 minutes, and even more preferably in the range of 80 to 220 minutes. This preferred embodiment is the 42nd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 26th to 41st embodiments of the present invention.

[0124] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method preferably comprises adding, in volume V2: a. reducing the weight average molar mass of a first polyester; b. reducing the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester; Further comprising at least one or all of:

[0125] This preferred embodiment is a 43rd embodiment of the present invention, and the 43rd embodiment is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 42nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0126] In one aspect of the 43rd embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a + b. In one aspect of the 43rd embodiment, it is preferred to perform at least one or all of steps a and b of the 43rd embodiment before contacting the first polyester with the additional organic compound.

[0127] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, a. Preferably in volume V2, the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester is reduced by at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, also more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 75%, even more preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 85%; b. Preferably, in volume part V2, the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester is reduced by at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, and even more preferably at least 60%, even more preferably at least 70%, and even more preferably at least 75%. At least one or all of the following applies:

[0128] This preferred embodiment is the 44th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 43rd embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] In one aspect of the 44th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 44th embodiment, the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester is preferably reduced by 97% or less, more preferably 95% or less, even more preferably 93% or less, and even more preferably 90% or less. In one aspect of the 44th embodiment, the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester is preferably reduced by a value in the range of 70% to 80%. In one aspect of the 44th embodiment, the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester is preferably reduced by 97% or less, more preferably 95% or less, and even more preferably 93% or less. In one aspect of the 44th embodiment, the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester is preferably reduced by a value in the range of 85% to 93%.

[0130] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, preferably in volume V2, after the reduction step is completed, the first polyester is a. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.08 dL / g to 0.45 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.10 dL / g to 0.35 dL / g, even more preferably in the range of 0.12 dL / g to 0.25 dL / g, and even more preferably in the range of 0.12 dL / g to 0.20 dL / g; b. The weight-average molar mass is in the range of 3000 Da to 7500 Da, more preferably in the range of 3200 Da to 7300 Da, even more preferably in the range of 3800 Da to 7100 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 4000 Da to 6900 Da. It has at least one or all of the following:

[0131] This preferred embodiment is the 45th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 43rd or 44th embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] In one aspect of the 45th embodiment, all possible combinations of characteristics a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 45th embodiment, characteristics a and b are preferably characteristics of the first polyester from volume V2. In one aspect of the 45th embodiment, the weight-average molar mass is preferably in the range of 4000 Da to 5000 Da.

[0133] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first polyester is I. The intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester is Y IV,1 (Y IV,1 is greater than or equal to 0.10 dL / g, more preferably 0.15 dL / g, even more preferably 0.20 dL / g, and even more preferably 0.30 dL / g), is transported in a first direction at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity, II. The intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester is Y IV,2 (Y IV,2 is 0.09 dL / g, more preferably 0.07 dL / g, and even more preferably 0.05 dL / g) or less, it is transported in a further direction at least partially along the direction of gravity.

[0134] This preferred embodiment is a 46th embodiment of the present invention, and the 46th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 45th embodiments of the present invention.

[0135] In the 46th embodiment, Y 1,IV >Y 2,IVIn one aspect of the 46th embodiment, transporting should preferably be understood to mean at least one or all of transporting the first polyester from a first volume to a further volume (e.g., transporting from volume V1 to volume V2, transporting from volume V2 to volume V3) and transporting the first polyester through volumes (e.g., volume V1, volume V3). In one aspect of the 46th embodiment, it is preferred that the first polyester is transported in a first direction first, followed by transporting the first polyester in a further direction. In one aspect of the 46th embodiment, it is preferred that the first polyester is contacted with a first amount of a first organic compound in volume V1 before being transported in the first direction. In one aspect of the 46th embodiment, it is preferred that the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester is Y 2,IV ~Y 1,IV In one aspect of the 46th embodiment, when the first polyester is transported along the first direction, preferably at least a portion of the organic compound, preferably the first organic compound, is transported in a direction opposite to the first direction. In one aspect of the 46th embodiment, when the first polyester is transported along the further direction, preferably at least a portion of the organic compound, preferably the further organic compound, is transported along the further direction. In one aspect of the 46th embodiment, in Features I and II, Y IV,1 and Y IV,2 is Y IV,1 is 0.10 dL / g, and Y IV,2 is 0.09 dL / g, and Y IV,1 is 0.15dL / g, and Y IV,2 is 0.07 dL / g, and Y IV,1 is 0.20 dL / g, and Y IV,2 is 0.05 dL / g, and Y IV,1 is 0.30dL / g, and Y IV,2 is 0.05 dL / g, and Y IV,1 is 0.10 dL / g, and Y IV,2 is 0.05 dL / g, and Y IV,1 is 0.30dL / g, and Y IV,2Preferably, the first polyester has one of the following combinations of values: V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , V 4 , V 5 , V 6 , V 7 , V 8 , V 9 , V 10 , V 11 , V 12 , V 13 , V 14 , V 15 , V 16 , V 17 , V 18 , V 19 , V 20 , V 21 , V 22 , V 23 , V 24 , V 25 , V 26 , V 27 , V 28 , V 29 , V 30 , V 31 , V 32 , V 33 , V 34 , V 35 , V 36 , V 37 , V 38 , V 39 , V 40 , V 41 , V 42 , V 43 , V 44 , V 45 , V 46 , V 47 , V 48 , V 49 , V 50 , V 51 , V 52 , V 53 , V 54 , V 55 , V 56 , V 57 , V 58 , V 59 , V 60 , V 61 , V 62 , V 63 , V 64 , V 65 , V 66 , V 67 , V 68 , V 69 , V 70 , V 71 , V 72 , V 73 , V 74 , V 75 , V 76 , V 77 , V 78 , V 79 , V 80 , V 81 , V 82 , V 83 , V 84 , V

[0136] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of transporting the first polyester to volume V3. This preferred embodiment is the 47th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends from any one of the 1st to 46th embodiments of the present invention.

[0137] In one aspect of the 47th embodiment, the first polyester is preferably transported from volume V1 to volume V3, more preferably via volume V2. In other words, the first polyester can be transported from volume V1 to volume V3 without the first polyester passing through volume V2. However, it is more preferred that the first polyester be transported from volume V2 to volume V3.

[0138] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the further organic compound is a. the property of containing at least two hydroxyl groups, for example, a diol having two hydroxyl groups, a triol having three hydroxyl groups; b. a molar mass of at least 60 g / mol; c. A boiling point of at least 192°C, more preferably at least 195°C; It has at least one or all of the following:

[0139] This preferred embodiment is the 48th embodiment of the present invention, and the 48th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 47th embodiments of the present invention.

[0140] Examples of the further organic compound include (mono)ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerol. In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a-c are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c. In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the further organic compound is (mono)ethylene glycol, more preferably monoethylene glycol. In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the further organic compound is not propylene glycol.

[0141] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, a further initial mixture, preferably in volume V3, is stirred in. This preferred embodiment is the 49th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 48th embodiments of the present invention.

[0142] In one aspect of the forty-ninth embodiment, the stirring is preferably performed using mechanical means adapted and arranged for stirring, non-mechanical means adapted and arranged for stirring, or a combination thereof.

[0143] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the mass ratio of the first polyester to the further organic compound in the further initial mixture, preferably at the inlet end of volume V3, is greater than 1.0. This preferred embodiment is a 50th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 49th embodiments of the present invention.

[0144] In one aspect of the fiftieth embodiment, the inlet end is preferably where the first polyester enters volume V3.

[0145] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the temperature of the further initial mixture, preferably in volume V3, is in the range of 180° C. to 220° C., more preferably in the range of 180° C. to 210° C. This preferred embodiment is the 51st embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 50th embodiments of the present invention.

[0146] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the pressure in volume V3 is in the range of 75 kPa to 131 kPa, more preferably in the range of 90 kPa to 116 kPa, even more preferably in the range of 95 kPa to 108 kPa, and even more preferably in the range of 98 kPa to 104 kPa. This preferred embodiment is a 52nd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 51st embodiments of the present invention.

[0147] In one aspect of the fifty-second embodiment, the pressure in volume V3 is preferably atmospheric pressure.

[0148] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the residence time of the further initial mixture in volume V3 is in the range of 100 minutes to 560 minutes, more preferably in the range of 140 minutes to 440 minutes, and even more preferably in the range of 170 minutes to 380 minutes. This preferred embodiment is the 53rd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 52nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0149] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first intermediate mixture comprises at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, even more preferably at least 85% by weight, even more preferably at least 90% by weight, and even more preferably at least 94% by weight of the first intermediate product. This preferred embodiment is the 54th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 53rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0150] In a 54th embodiment, the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the first intermediate mixture. In optional aspects of the 54th embodiment, the first intermediate mixture comprises a first intermediate product in the range of 70% to 99% by weight, optionally in the range of 80% to 95% by weight, optionally in the range of 88% to 92% by weight.

[0151] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, at least 40% by weight of the first intermediate product, more preferably at least 50% by weight, also more preferably at least 60% by weight, even more preferably at least 65% by weight, and even more preferably at least 70% by weight, is in the form of an oligomer having repeat units in the range of 2 to 35, more preferably in the range of 2 to 30, even more preferably in the range of 2 to 25, and even more preferably in the range of 2 to 20. This preferred embodiment is the 55th embodiment of the present invention, and the 55th embodiment is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 54th embodiments of the present invention.

[0152] In the 55th embodiment, the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the first intermediate product in the first intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the 55th embodiment, preferably at least 40 wt%, more preferably at least 50 wt%, even more preferably at least 60 wt%, even more preferably at least 65 wt%, and even more preferably at least 70 wt% of the first intermediate product is in the form of an oligomer having a number of repeat units in at least one of the ranges of 3 to 30, 4 to 30, 6 to 30, 8 to 30, 3 to 20, 4 to 20, and 6 to 20. In one aspect of the 55th embodiment, at least 70 wt% of the oligomer preferably has a number of repeat units in the range of 2 to 35, more preferably in the range of 2 to 30, even more preferably in the range of 2 to 25, and even more preferably in the range of 2 to 20. Preferred oligomers include ethylene terephthalate repeat units. In one aspect of the 55th embodiment, preferably at least 40% by weight of the first intermediate product is in the form of an oligomer having a number of repeat units in the range of 2 to 15, more preferably 2 to 12, and even more preferably 2 to 10, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, even more preferably at least 65% by weight, and even more preferably at least 70% by weight.

[0153] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, a. the first intermediate product comprises no more than 30% by weight of monomer, more preferably no more than 25% by weight, even more preferably no more than 20% by weight, even more preferably no more than 15% by weight, and even more preferably no more than 10% by weight; b. the first intermediate product comprises at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 75% by weight, also more preferably at least 80% by weight, even more preferably at least 85% by weight, and even more preferably at least 90% by weight of oligomers; At least one or all of the following applies:

[0154] This preferred embodiment is a 56th embodiment of the present invention, and the 56th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 55th embodiments of the present invention.

[0155] In the 56th embodiment, the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the first intermediate product in the first intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the 56th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a + b. For example, the first intermediate product comprises 20 wt. % of the monomer and 80 wt. % of the oligomer. In the 56th embodiment, an example of the monomer is BHET. In the 56th embodiment, an example of the oligomer is PET oligomer. In an optional aspect of the 56th embodiment, the first intermediate product comprises a monomer in the range of 15 wt. % to 30 wt. %, optionally in the range of 20 wt. % to 25 wt. % of the oligomer. In an optional aspect of the 56th embodiment, the first intermediate product comprises a monomer in the range of 70 wt. % to 85 wt. %, optionally in the range of 75 wt. % to 85 wt. % of the oligomer. In one aspect of the 56th embodiment, particularly preferred oligomers have a repeating unit in the range of 2 to 10.

[0156] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, a. the first intermediate product comprises at least 20% by weight of monomer, more preferably at least 30% by weight, also more preferably at least 40% by weight, even more preferably at least 50% by weight, and even more preferably at least 60% by weight; b. the first intermediate product comprises at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, and even more preferably at least 50% by weight of oligomers; At least one or all of the following applies:

[0157] This preferred embodiment is an alternative embodiment of the 56th embodiment of the present invention, and this alternative embodiment is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 55th embodiments of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, any of the 57th to 108th embodiments of the present invention are preferably dependent on this alternative embodiment of the 56th embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] In this alternative 56th embodiment, the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the first intermediate product in the first intermediate mixture. In this alternative 56th embodiment, an example of a monomer is BHET. In this alternative 56th embodiment, an example of an oligomer is a PET oligomer. In one aspect of this alternative 56th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a + b. In one preferred aspect of this alternative 56th embodiment, in feature a, the first intermediate product comprises the monomer in the range of 20 wt% to 60 wt%, more preferably in the range of 30 wt% to 50 wt%, and even more preferably in the range of 35 wt% to 40 wt%. In this aspect, the remaining weight percentage of the first intermediate product is preferably made up of oligomer. In one aspect of this alternative 56th embodiment, particularly preferred oligomers have repeating units in the range of 2 to 10.

[0159] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first intermediate product is a. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.010 dL / g to 0.120 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.030 dL / g to 0.090 dL / g, even more preferably in the range of 0.040 dL / g to 0.070 dL / g, and even more preferably in the range of 0.045 dL / g to 0.065 dL / g; b. The weight-average molar mass is in the range of 350 Da to 800 Da, more preferably in the range of 450 Da to 650 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 500 Da to 600 Da. It has at least one or all of the following:

[0160] This preferred embodiment is the 57th embodiment of the present invention, and the 57th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 56th embodiments of the present invention.

[0161] In one aspect of the fifty-seventh embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0162] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, a. the first intermediate mixture comprises no more than 20% by weight, more preferably no more than 15% by weight, even more preferably no more than 12% by weight, even more preferably no more than 10% by weight, and even more preferably no more than 8% by weight of additional organic compounds; b. the first intermediate mixture contains less than 15% by weight, more preferably less than 10% by weight, and even more preferably less than 5% by weight of a dicarboxylic acid, such as terephthalic acid; At least one or all of the following applies:

[0163] This preferred embodiment is the 58th embodiment of the present invention, and the 58th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 57th embodiments of the present invention.

[0164] In one aspect of the 58th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In the 58th embodiment, the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the first intermediate mixture. It should be understood that in one aspect of the 58th embodiment, the additional organic compound is preferably free, i.e., not chemically bound to the first intermediate product by a covalent bond. In optional aspects of the 58th embodiment, the first intermediate mixture comprises the additional organic compound in the range of 5% to 20% by weight, optionally in the range of 7% to 15% by weight, and optionally in the range of 9% to 12% by weight.

[0165] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of transporting the first intermediate mixture, preferably from volume V3 to volume V4. This preferred embodiment is a 59th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends from any one of the 1st to 58th embodiments of the present invention.

[0166] In one aspect of the fifty-ninth embodiment, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product increases by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 1%, and even more preferably less than 0.1% in volume part V4. In another aspect of the fifty-ninth embodiment, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product decreases by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 1%, and even more preferably less than 0.1% in volume part V4. In yet another aspect of the fifty-ninth embodiment, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product changes (neither increases nor decreases) by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 1%, and even more preferably less than 0.1% in volume part V4.

[0167] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the pore size distribution of the first particulate material has at least one mode in the range of 8,000 nm to 20,000 nm, more preferably in the range of 10,000 nm to 18,000 nm, and even more preferably in the range of 10,000 nm to 15,000 nm. This preferred embodiment is the 60th embodiment of the present invention, and the 60th embodiment is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 59th embodiments of the present invention.

[0168] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the pore size distribution of the first particulate material has at least two modes in the range of 8,000 nm to 20,000 nm; a. at least one mode is in the range of 8000 nm to 15000 nm, preferably in the range of 10000 nm to 15000 nm; b. At least one mode is in the range >15000 nm to 20000 nm, preferably in the range 16000 nm to 18000 nm.

[0169] This preferred embodiment is the 61st embodiment of the present invention, and the 61st embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 60th embodiments of the present invention.

[0170] In one aspect of the 61st embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 61st embodiment, the mode in feature a is preferably a second-order mode. In one aspect of the 61st embodiment, the mode in feature b is preferably a first-order mode.

[0171] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the pore size distribution of the first particulate material has at least one first mode in the range of 9000 nm to 15000 nm and at least one further mode in the range of >15000 nm to 20000 nm, and the ratio of the first mode to the further mode is in the range of 0.30 to 1.00, preferably in the range of 0.40 to 0.90, and more preferably in the range of 0.45 to 0.85. This preferred embodiment is the 62nd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 61st embodiments of the present invention.

[0172] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first particulate material comprises: a. The cumulative pore volume of pores with diameters in the range of 9000 nm to 20000 nm is 0.6 cm 3 / g~1.9cm 3 / g range, preferably 0.9 cm 3 / g~1.7cm 3 / g, more preferably 1.1 cm 3 / g~1.5cm 3 / g range, b. The cumulative pore volume of pores with diameters in the range of 10,000 nm to 15,000 nm is 0.5 cm 3 / g~1.4cm 3 / g, preferably 0.6 cm 3 / g~1.2cm3 / g, more preferably in the range of 0.8 cm 3 / g~1.0cm 3 / g range, c. The cumulative pore volume of pores with diameters in the range of >15,000 nm to 20,000 nm is 0.10 cm 3 / g~0.80cm 3 / g range, preferably 0.20 cm 3 / g~0.60cm 3 / g, more preferably in the range of 0.25 cm 3 / g~0.40cm 3 / g range and It has at least one or all of the following:

[0173] This preferred embodiment is the 63rd embodiment of the present invention, and the 63rd embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 62nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0174] In one aspect of the sixty-third embodiment, all possible combinations of features a through c are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c.

[0175] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first particulate material comprises: a. Transmittance is 0.7 darcy (approximately 0.7 x 10 -12 m 2 ) ~ 10.0 Darcy (approximately 10.0 x 10 -12 m 2 ), preferably in the range of 1.5 Darcy (about 1.5×10 -12 m 2 ) ~ 7.5 darcy (approximately 7.5 x 10 -12 m 2 ), more preferably in the range of 3.0 Darcy (about 3.0×10 -12 m 2 ) ~ 5.0 Darcy (approximately 5.0 x 10 -12 m 2 ), more preferably in the range of 3.5 Darcy (about 3.5×10 -12 m 2) ~ 4.5 darcy (approximately 4.5 x 10 -12 m 2 ) and b. The median particle size is in the range of 25 μm to 60 μm, preferably in the range of 35 μm to 55 μm, more preferably in the range of 40 μm to 50 μm, and even more preferably in the range of 43 μm to 50 μm. It has at least one or all of the following:

[0176] This preferred embodiment is a 64th embodiment of the present invention, and the 64th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 63rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0177] In one aspect of the sixty-fourth embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0178] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the first granular material is selected from the group consisting of activated carbon (e.g., activated charcoal), activated clay, diatomaceous earth, perlite, bentonite, cellulose, and combinations of at least two thereof. This preferred embodiment is a 65th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the first to 64th embodiments of the present invention.

[0179] In one aspect of the sixty-fifth embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the first particulate material is diatomaceous earth.

[0180] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the mass ratio of the first granular material to the first intermediate mixture in volume V4 is 5.0×10 -4 ~2.5×10 -3 more preferably in the range of 1.0 × 10 -3 ~2.0×10 -3 more preferably in the range of 1.2 × 10 -3 ~1.8×10 -3This preferred embodiment is the 66th embodiment of the present invention, and the 66th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 65th embodiments of the present invention.

[0181] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the temperature of the first intermediate mixture in volume V4 is preferably in the range of 160° C. to 230° C., more preferably in the range of 170° C. to 220° C., still more preferably in the range of 180° C. to 215° C., even more preferably in the range of 185° C. to 209° C., and still more preferably in the range of 190° C. to 205° C. This preferred embodiment is the 67th embodiment of the present invention, and the 67th embodiment is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 66th embodiments of the present invention.

[0182] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the first intermediate mixture in volume V4 is stirred. This preferred embodiment is the 68th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 67th embodiments of the present invention.

[0183] In an aspect of the sixty-eighth embodiment, the first intermediate mixture is preferably agitated using mechanical means adapted and arranged for agitation.

[0184] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the residence time of the first intermediate mixture in volume V4 is 10 hours or less, more preferably 7 hours or less, and even more preferably 5 hours or less. This preferred embodiment is a 69th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 68th embodiments of the present invention.

[0185] In an optional aspect of the sixty-ninth embodiment, the residence time of the first intermediate mixture in volume V4 is at least 0.1 hours, optionally at least 1 hour, optionally at least 3.5 hours.

[0186] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of transporting the first intermediate mixture, preferably from volume V4, to a filtering means. This preferred embodiment is the 70th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends from any one of the 1st to 69th embodiments of the present invention.

[0187] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the filtering means is selected from the group consisting of a leaf filter, a lamella clarifier, a candle filter, a porous filter, a sintered filter, a metallic wire mesh, a rotary drum filter, and a combination of two or more thereof. This preferred embodiment is a 71st embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 70th embodiments of the present invention.

[0188] In one aspect of the seventy-first embodiment, the preferred filtering means is a leaf filter, more preferably a vertical leaf filter.

[0189] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the pressure in the filtration means is in the range of 80 kPa to 1000 kPa, more preferably in the range of 140 kPa to 800 kPa, even more preferably in the range of 170 kPa to 610 kPa, and even more preferably in the range of 200 kPa to 545 kPa. This preferred embodiment is a 72nd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 71st embodiments of the present invention.

[0190] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the temperature in the filtering means is in the range of 150°C to 215°C, more preferably in the range of 160°C to 205°C, even more preferably in the range of 165°C to 200°C, and even more preferably in the range of 170°C to 195°C. This preferred embodiment is the 73rd embodiment of the present invention, and the 73rd embodiment is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 72nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0191] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of transporting the first intermediate mixture to volume V5. This preferred embodiment is a 74th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends from any one of the 1st to 73rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0192] In one aspect of the seventy-fourth embodiment, the first intermediate mixture is preferably transferred from volume V3 to volume V5. However, more preferably, the first intermediate mixture is transferred from volume V3 to volume V5 through at least one or all of volume V4 and the filtration means. In this aspect, it is particularly preferred that the first intermediate mixture is transferred from the filtration means to volume V5.

[0193] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of adjusting the b value of the Hunter Lab color coordinate of the first intermediate mixture, preferably in volume V5, so that b≦0, more preferably b≦−1, and even more preferably b≦−2. This preferred embodiment is a 75th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the first to 74th embodiments of the present invention.

[0194] In one aspect of the 75th embodiment, the Hunter Lab color coordinates of the first intermediate mixture, preferably in volume part V5, are adjusted so that b is preferably in the range of -10 to -3, more preferably -9 to -4, and even more preferably -8 to -6.

[0195] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises a step of adjusting the L value of the Hunter Lab color coordinate of the first intermediate mixture, preferably in volume V5, so that L≧65, more preferably L≧70, and even more preferably L≧75. This preferred embodiment is a 76th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 75th embodiments of the present invention.

[0196] In one aspect of the 76th embodiment, the Hunter Lab color coordinates of the first intermediate mixture, preferably in volume part V5, are adjusted so that L is preferably in the range of 65 to 92, more preferably 70 to 86, and even more preferably 75 to 82.

[0197] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the Hunter Lab color coordinates L, b, or both, are adjusted by adding at least one colorant to the first intermediate mixture, preferably in volume part V5. This preferred embodiment is the 77th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends from the 75th or 76th embodiment of the present invention.

[0198] Suitable colorants are well known to those skilled in the art and are commercially available from Avient Corporation (USA) and Clariant AG (Switzerland).

[0199] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the amount of at least one colorant added to the first intermediate mixture is determined by adding less than 200 ppm by weight, more preferably less than 100 ppm by weight, also more preferably less than 50 ppm by weight, even more preferably less than 20 ppm by weight, still more preferably less than 15 ppm by weight, and particularly preferably less than 10 ppm by weight of red colorant.

[0200] This preferred embodiment is the 78th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 77th embodiment of the present invention.

[0201] In the seventy-eighth embodiment, the ppm by weight values ​​are based on the total weight of the first intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the seventy-eighth embodiment, optionally at least 1 ppm by weight, optionally at least 2 ppm by weight, optionally at least 3 ppm by weight of red colorant is added.

[0202] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the amount of at least one colorant added to the first intermediate mixture is determined by adding less than 300 ppm by weight, more preferably less than 150 ppm by weight, also more preferably less than 70 ppm by weight, even more preferably less than 30 ppm by weight, still more preferably less than 20 ppm by weight, and particularly preferably less than 15 ppm by weight of blue colorant.

[0203] This preferred embodiment is the 79th embodiment of the present invention, and the 79th embodiment is preferably dependent on the 77th or 78th embodiment of the present invention.

[0204] In the seventy-ninth embodiment, the values ​​in ppm by weight are based on the total weight of the first intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the seventy-ninth embodiment, optionally at least 0.8 ppm by weight, optionally at least 1.8 ppm by weight, optionally at least 2.7 ppm by weight of blue colorant is added.

[0205] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the amount of at least one colorant added to the first intermediate mixture is determined by adding a red colorant and a blue colorant, and the ratio of the red colorant to the blue colorant is in the range of 0.1 to 10.0, more preferably 0.1 to 6.0, still more preferably 0.1 to 3.0, even more preferably 0.1 to 1.0, still more preferably 0.3 to 0.8, and particularly preferably 0.4 to 0.7.

[0206] This preferred embodiment is the 80th embodiment of the present invention, and the 80th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 77th to 79th embodiments of the present invention.

[0207] In the eightieth embodiment, the weight ppm values ​​are based on the total weight of the first intermediate mixture. In the eightieth embodiment, the ratio of red colorant to blue colorant is calculated by dividing the weight ppm of red colorant added by the weight ppm of blue colorant added. In one preferred aspect of the eightieth embodiment, the red colorant and blue colorant are added when the L value of the first intermediate mixture before adding the colorants is preferably in the range of 80 to 90, more preferably in the range of 82 to 88. In one preferred aspect of the eightieth embodiment, both the red colorant and the blue colorant are added when the b value of the first intermediate mixture before adding the colorants is preferably in the range of 0.8 to 2.0, more preferably in the range of 1 to 2.

[0208] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the at least one colorant is selected from the group consisting of a dye, a toner, a pigment, and a combination of at least two thereof. This preferred embodiment is an 81st embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 77th to 80th embodiments of the present invention.

[0209] In one aspect of the 81st embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the at least one colorant is a pigment, a dye, or a combination thereof. In this aspect, pigments are preferred over dyes. In another aspect of the 81st embodiment, it is preferred that the at least one colorant is not an acid dye. In yet another aspect of the 81st embodiment, it is preferred that the at least one colorant is a pigment having a particle size of less than 20 microns (20 μm), more preferably less than 10 microns (10 μm), even more preferably less than 1 micron (1 μm), and even more preferably less than 0.5 microns (0.5 μm).

[0210] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the transport direction of the first polyester through volume V2 is at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity. In one aspect of this embodiment, the transport direction is preferably opposite to the direction of gravity. In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, volume V2 is at least partially arranged vertically, more preferably vertically. At least partially arranged vertically should be understood to mean that the longest dimension (e.g., length) of volume V2 is preferably not parallel to the ground. For example, when volume V2 is arranged vertically, the length of volume V2 is perpendicular to the ground.

[0211] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product increases by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 1%, and even more preferably less than 0.1% per volume part V4. In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product decreases by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 1%, and even more preferably less than 0.1% per volume part V4. In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product changes (neither increases nor decreases) by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 1%, and even more preferably less than 0.1% per volume part V4.

[0212] An 82 embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a further intermediate product, the method comprising: Step a) of providing a first intermediate mixture containing a first intermediate product obtained by a method for producing a first intermediate product according to the present invention, preferably a method according to any one of the first to eighty-first embodiments of the present invention; a step b) of increasing the weight-average molar mass of the first intermediate product in the first intermediate mixture, preferably in volume V6, to obtain a further intermediate mixture comprising a further intermediate product; Includes.

[0213] In an optional aspect of the 82 embodiment, the first intermediate mixture comprises at least one or all of the first organic compound and the additional organic compound. The first organic compound and / or the additional organic compound in the additional intermediate mixture may be present, for example, because the first organic compound and / or the additional organic compound was transported from another volume (e.g., volume V5) to volume V6, or because the first organic compound and / or the additional organic compound was combined and released during the increase in the weight-average molar mass. In another optional aspect of the 82 embodiment, the additional intermediate mixture comprises at least one or all of the first organic compound and the additional organic compound. In one aspect of the 82 embodiment, it is preferred to at least partially remove at least one or all of the first organic compound and the additional organic compound in volume V6. In a further aspect of the 82 embodiment, it is preferred that the additional intermediate mixture comprises less than 1 wt. %, more preferably less than 0.1 wt. %, and even more preferably less than 0.01 wt. % of at least one or all of the first organic compound and the additional organic compound, based on the total weight of the additional intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the 82nd embodiment, the further intermediate product is obtained using preferably less than 20 wt. %, more preferably less than 10 wt. %, even more preferably less than 5 wt. %, and even more preferably less than 1 wt. % virgin product, the weight percentages being based on the total weight of the first intermediate mixture. Here, the virgin product has the characteristics of a) being preferably a monomer, oligomer, polymer, or combination thereof of the first polyester, and b) being obtained by a chemical synthesis that does not involve depolymerization or solvolysis. An example of a virgin product is BHET monomer obtained by esterifying terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol.

[0214] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the first intermediate mixture is provided by transporting the first intermediate mixture into volume V6. This preferred embodiment is the 83rd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 82nd embodiment of the present invention.

[0215] In one aspect of the 83rd embodiment, the first intermediate mixture is preferably transferred from volume V3 to volume V6. However, it is more preferred that the first intermediate mixture is transferred from volume V3 to volume V6 through at least one or all of volume V4, the filtration means, and volume V5. In this aspect, it is particularly preferred that the first intermediate mixture is transferred from volume V5 to volume V6.

[0216] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the first intermediate mixture comprises: a. a catalyst in an amount ranging from 20 ppm to 600 ppm, more preferably from 30 ppm to 500 ppm, and even more preferably from 40 ppm to 400 ppm; b. a stabilizer in an amount ranging from 1 ppm to 120 ppm, more preferably from 5 ppm to 100 ppm, even more preferably from 10 ppm to 80 ppm, and even more preferably from 20 ppm to 60 ppm; At least one or all of the following are added:

[0217] This preferred embodiment is the 84th embodiment of the present invention, and the 84th embodiment is preferably dependent on the 82nd or 83rd embodiment of the present invention.

[0218] In the 84th embodiment, the ppm values ​​are based on the total weight of the first intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the 84th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a + b. In one aspect of the 84th embodiment, the preferred catalyst is SbO, tetrabutoxytitanium, PTO(KTiO(CH)·2HO), or a combination of at least two thereof. In this aspect, SbO is particularly preferred. In one aspect of the 84th embodiment, it is preferred to apply at least one or all of the following: adding the catalyst before the first intermediate mixture enters volume V6; and adding the catalyst to the first intermediate mixture in volume V6, preferably before increasing the weight-average molar mass of the first intermediate product. In one aspect of the 84th embodiment, the preferred stabilizer is diphenylamine, 4-aminobenzoic acid, orthophosphoric acid, or a combination of at least two thereof. In one aspect of the 84th embodiment, it is preferred to apply at least one or all of the following: adding a stabilizer before the first intermediate mixture enters volume V6; and preferably adding a stabilizer to the first intermediate mixture in volume V6 before increasing the weight-average molar mass of the first intermediate product.

[0219] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the further intermediate product, a. The temperature is in the range of 260°C to 295°C, more preferably in the range of 268°C to 289°C, and even more preferably in the range of 272°C to 285°C; b. The pressure is 3.7 kPa or less, more preferably 3.3 kPa or less, and even more preferably 2.8 kPa or less. At least one or all of these are applied to volume V6.

[0220] This preferred embodiment is the 85th embodiment of the present invention, and the 85th embodiment is preferably dependent on the 83rd or 84th embodiment of the present invention.

[0221] In one aspect of the 85th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 85th embodiment, the pressure is preferably in the range of 0.01 kPa to 3.70 kPa, more preferably in the range of 0.05 kPa to 3.30 kPa, and even more preferably in the range of 0.10 kPa to 2.80 kPa.

[0222] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the residence time of the first intermediate mixture in volume V6 is less than 750 minutes, more preferably less than 500 minutes, also more preferably less than 350 minutes, and even more preferably less than 200 minutes. This preferred embodiment is the 86th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 83rd to 85th embodiments of the present invention.

[0223] In one aspect of the eighty-sixth embodiment, the residence time of the first intermediate mixture in volume V6 is preferably 40 minutes or more, more preferably 70 minutes or more, and even more preferably 150 minutes or more.

[0224] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the further intermediate product, preferably the further intermediate product leaving volume V6, is a. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.15 dL / g to 0.45 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.18 dL / g to 0.40 dL / g, and even more preferably in the range of 0.20 dL / g to 0.30 dL / g; b. A weight-average molar mass in the range of 5,000 Da to 30,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 9,000 Da to 24,000 Da, even more preferably in the range of 12,000 Da to 20,000 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 14,000 Da to 16,500 Da. It has at least one or all of the following:

[0225] This preferred embodiment is the 87th embodiment of the present invention, and the 87th embodiment preferably depends on any one of the 82nd to 86th embodiments of the present invention.

[0226] In one aspect of the 87th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0227] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of transporting the further intermediate mixture, preferably from volume V6, to volume V7. This preferred embodiment is the 88th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends from any one of the 82nd to 87th embodiments of the present invention.

[0228] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of further increasing the weight-average molar mass of the further intermediate product in the further intermediate mixture, preferably in volume V7. This preferred embodiment is an 89th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends from any one of the 82nd to 88th embodiments of the present invention.

[0229] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the further intermediate product, a. The temperature is in the range of 240°C to 310°C, more preferably in the range of 258°C to 298°C, and even more preferably in the range of 264°C to 288°C; b. The pressure is 0.4 kPa or less, more preferably 0.35 kPa or less, and even more preferably 0.32 kPa or less. At least one or all of these are applied to volume V7.

[0230] This preferred embodiment is the 90th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 88th or 89th embodiment of the present invention.

[0231] In one aspect of the 90th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 90th embodiment, it is preferred that the temperatures indicated in this embodiment are temperatures measured at the inlet of volume V7, more preferably at the inlet where the further intermediate mixture enters volume V7. In one aspect of the 90th embodiment, it is preferred that the pressure is in the range of 0.001 kPa to 0.400 kPa, more preferably in the range of 0.005 kPa to 0.350 kPa.

[0232] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the residence time of the further intermediate mixture in volume V7 is less than 300 minutes, more preferably less than 200 minutes, also more preferably less than 150 minutes, even more preferably less than 100 minutes. This preferred embodiment is the 91st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends from any one of the 88th to 90th embodiments of the present invention.

[0233] In one aspect of the ninety-first embodiment, it is preferred that the residence time of the further intermediate mixture in volume V7 is 10 minutes or more, more preferably 25 minutes or more, even more preferably 40 minutes or more.

[0234] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the further intermediate product, preferably the further intermediate product leaving volume V7, a. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.50 dL / g to 0.80 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.57 dL / g to 0.75 dL / g, and even more preferably in the range of 0.62 dL / g to 0.67 dL / g; b. The weight-average molar mass is in the range of 40,000 Da to 60,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 44,000 Da to 54,000 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 46,000 Da to 52,000 Da. It has at least one or all of the following:

[0235] This preferred embodiment is the 92nd embodiment of the present invention, and the 92nd embodiment is preferably dependent on any one of the 82nd to 91st embodiments of the present invention, and more preferably dependent on any one of the 88th to 91st embodiments of the present invention.

[0236] In one aspect of the 92nd embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0237] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the method further comprises at least partially removing at least one organic compound, preferably in volume V6, volume V7, or both. This preferred embodiment is the 93rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends from any one of the 82nd to 92nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0238] In one aspect of the 93rd embodiment, the at least one organic compound is preferably at least one or all of the first organic compound and the additional organic compound. In another aspect of the 93rd embodiment, the at least one organic compound is preferably at least partially removed from at least one or all of the first intermediate mixture and the additional intermediate mixture. In yet another aspect of the 93rd embodiment, the first organic compound is preferably at least partially removed by flash evaporation. In one aspect of the 93rd embodiment, the at least one organic compound is preferably at least partially removed at least partially simultaneously with at least one or all of the increase in the weight-average molar mass of the first intermediate product and the increase in the weight-average molar mass of the additional intermediate product.

[0239] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the further intermediate product is a further polyester. This preferred embodiment is the 94th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 82nd to 93rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0240] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the further polyester is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyester carbonate, polyarylate, polyester resin, preferably unsaturated polyester resin, and combinations of two or more thereof. This preferred embodiment is the 95th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 94th embodiment of the present invention.

[0241] In one aspect of the ninety-fifth embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the additional polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.

[0242] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the further intermediate product, the further intermediate product is in the form of a liquid (e.g., a melt or a molten polymer), granules, or a combination thereof. This preferred embodiment is the 96th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 82nd to 95th embodiments of the present invention.

[0243] In one aspect of the 96th embodiment, the granules are commonly referred to as chips. In one aspect of the 96th embodiment, the granules are preferably obtained by extruding and cooling a hot melt.

[0244] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the further intermediate product is subjected to at least one processing step to obtain a product. This preferred embodiment is the 97th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 82nd to 96th embodiments of the present invention.

[0245] In one aspect of the ninety-seventh embodiment, the further intermediate product is preferably subjected to at least one processing step downstream of volume V6, more preferably downstream of volume V7.

[0246] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the at least one processing step comprises at least one or all of cooling, spinning, texturing, coloring (preferably by adding at least one colorant), melting, injection molding, blow molding, coating (preferably spin coating), cutting, extruding, and a combination of at least two of them. This preferred embodiment is the 98th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 97th embodiment of the present invention.

[0247] The 99th embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a first intermediate product according to the present invention, preferably a first intermediate product obtained by the method according to any one of the 1st to 81st embodiments of the present invention.

[0248] The 100th embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a further intermediate product according to the present invention, preferably a further intermediate product obtainable by a method according to any one of the 82nd to 98th embodiments of the present invention.

[0249] In one aspect of the hundredth embodiment, the further intermediate product is preferably a further polyester.

[0250] In one preferred embodiment of the further intermediate product, the further intermediate product is a. A weight-average molar mass in the range of 40,000 Da to 100,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 44,000 Da to 80,000 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 48,000 Da to 60,000 Da; b. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.50 dL / g to 0.80 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.57 dL / g to 0.75 dL / g, and even more preferably in the range of 0.62 dL / g to 0.67 dL / g; c. The Hunter Lab color coordinate system has an L value of at least 48 and a b value of 6 or less. It has at least one or all of the following:

[0251] This preferred embodiment is the 101st embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 100th embodiment of the present invention.

[0252] In one aspect of the 101st embodiment, all possible combinations of features a to c are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c. In one aspect of the 101st embodiment, in feature c, the further intermediate product has an L value in the Hunter Lab color coordinate system preferably in the range of 45 to 75, more preferably in the range of 50 to 70, and even more preferably in the range of 55 to 65. In one aspect of the 101st embodiment, in feature c, the further intermediate product has a b value in the Hunter Lab color coordinate system preferably in the range of 0 to 6, more preferably in the range of 1 to 5, and even more preferably in the range of 2 to 4.

[0253] A 102 embodiment of the present invention is an article of manufacture comprising a further intermediate product according to the present invention, preferably a further intermediate product according to the 100 or 101 embodiment of the present invention.

[0254] In one preferred embodiment of the article, the article is selected from the group consisting of yarn, textile, molded article (e.g., bottle), molding compound, film, sheet, granule, composite material, foam, fiber, lubricant, adhesive, thickener, suspending agent, flocculating agent, resin, plastic, coating, building material, absorbent material, pharmaceutical, material for controlled release of active substance, powder, and combinations of at least two or more thereof. This preferred embodiment is the 103rd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 102nd embodiment of the present invention.

[0255] In one aspect of the 103rd embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the article is a yarn, more preferably a textile yarn, examples of which include fully drawn yarn, draw texture yarn, and partially oriented yarn.

[0256] In one preferred embodiment of the product, the product comprises: a. Hunter Lab color coordinate L value of at least 62, more preferably at least 68, and even more preferably at least 73; b. A Hunter Lab color coordinate b value of at least 1, more preferably at least 2, and even more preferably at least 3; c. a tensile strength in the range of greater than 1.5 g / denier, preferably greater than 2.0 g / denier, and more preferably greater than 2.5 g / denier; d. A weight average molar mass in the range of 40,000 Da to 100,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 44,000 Da to 80,000 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 48,000 Da to 60,000 Da; e. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.50 dL / g to 0.80 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.57 dL / g to 0.75 dL / g, and even more preferably in the range of 0.62 dL / g to 0.67 dL / g; f. Elongation is in the range of 5% to 175%, more preferably in the range of 10% to 150%, and even more preferably in the range of 20% to 125%. It has at least one or all of the following:

[0257] This preferred embodiment is the 104th embodiment of the present invention, and the 104th embodiment is preferably dependent on the 102nd or 103rd embodiment of the present invention.

[0258] In one aspect of the 104th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a-f are preferred aspects of this embodiment, including, for example, a;b;c;d;e;f;a+b;a+c;a+d;a+e;a+f;b+c;b+d;b+e;b+f;c+d;c+e;c+f;d+e;d+f;e+f;a+b+c;a+b+d;a+b+e;a+b+f;a+c+d;a+c+e;a+c+f;a+d+e;a+d+f;a+e+f;b+c+d;b+c+e;b+c+f;b+d+e;b+d+f;b+e+f;c+d+e;c+d+f;c+e+f; d+e+f;a+b+c+d;a+b+c+e;a+b+c+f;a+b+d+e;a+b+d+f;a+b+e+f;a+c+d+e;a+c+d+f;a+c+e+f;a+d+e+f;b+c+d+e;b+c+d+ f;b+c+e+f;b+d+e+f;c+d+e+f;a+b+c+d+e;a+b+c+d+f;a+b+c+e+f;a+b+d+e+f;a+c+d+e+f;b+c+d+e+f;a+b+c+d+e+f. In one aspect of the 104th embodiment, in feature a, when the product is a yarn, the product has a Hunter Lab color coordinate L value preferably in the range of 62 to 95, more preferably in the range of 68 to 90, and even more preferably in the range of 73 to 87. In one aspect of the 104th embodiment, in feature b, when the product is a yarn, the product has a Hunter Lab color coordinate b preferably in the range of 1 to 7, more preferably in the range of 2 to 6, and even more preferably in the range of 3 to 5. In the 104th embodiment, the tensile strength and elongation are measured according to standard ASTM D2256 / D2256M-21.

[0259] A 105th embodiment of the present invention is the use of a first intermediate product according to the present invention, preferably the first intermediate product according to the 99th embodiment of the present invention, in the production of a further intermediate product, preferably a further polyester.

[0260] In one aspect of the 105th embodiment, the further intermediate product produced is preferably according to the 100th or 101st embodiments of the present invention.

[0261] A 106th embodiment of the present invention is the use of a further intermediate product according to the present invention, preferably according to the 100th or 101st embodiment of the present invention, in the manufacture of a product, preferably according to any one of the 102nd to 104th embodiments of the present invention.

[0262] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the pH of the first granular substance is in the range of 6.5 to 10.5, more preferably in the range of 7 to 10.5, and even more preferably in the range of 7.5 to 10.5. This preferred embodiment is the 107th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 81st embodiments of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, all of the 82nd to 106th embodiments of the present invention are preferably dependent on the 107th embodiment of the present invention. In one aspect of the 107th embodiment, the pH of the first granular substance is preferably in the range of 6.5 to 10.5, more preferably in the range of 7 to 10.3, even more preferably in the range of 7.3 to 10.1, and even more preferably in the range of 7.5 to 9.7.

[0263] In one preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the melting temperature of the first intermediate product is 110°C or higher, more preferably 120°C or higher, even more preferably 130°C or higher, and even more preferably 140°C or higher. This preferred embodiment is the 108th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 81st and 107th embodiments of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, all of the 82nd to 106th embodiments of the present invention preferably depend on the 108th embodiment of the present invention. In one aspect of the 108th embodiment, the melting temperature of the first intermediate product is preferably less than 235°C, more preferably less than 225°C, and even more preferably less than 215°C. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0264] The drawings are for purposes of illustrating the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Further, the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0265] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly and method for producing a first intermediate product and further polyesters according to the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly and method for producing a first intermediate product and further polyesters according to the present invention. [Figure 1C] 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly and method for producing a first intermediate product and further polyesters according to the present invention. [Figure 2A] 10 is a schematic diagram of the angle between a further direction and a horizontal plane. FIG. [Figure 2B] 10 is a schematic diagram of the angle between a further direction and a horizontal plane. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating steps of one embodiment of a method for producing a first intermediate product according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of one embodiment of a method for producing a further intermediate product according to the present invention. [Figure 5A] This is the direction relative to gravity. [Figure 5B] This is the direction relative to gravity. [Figure 6A] 1 is a calibration plot used in a method for determining molar mass. [Figure 6B] 1 is a calibration plot used in a method for determining molar mass. [Figure 6C] 1 is a calibration plot used in a method for determining molar mass. [Figure 7] 1 is a scanning electron microscope image of PET flakes showing impurities on the surface of the PET flakes. [Figure 8] 4 is a graph showing the pore size distribution of a first particulate material. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a test method for determining the mass ratio of raw materials, more preferably a first polyester and a first organic compound, in volume V1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0266] Throughout this document, disclosures of ranges should preferably be understood to include the endpoints of the range. Furthermore, each disclosure of a range in this document should preferably be understood to also disclose preferred subranges in which one or both endpoints are excluded. For example, the disclosure of a range of 60°C to 75°C should be understood to disclose a range inclusive of both the 60°C and 75°C endpoints. Furthermore, it should be understood to also disclose a range inclusive of the 60°C endpoint but excluding the 75°C endpoint, a range inclusive of the 60°C endpoint but including the 75°C endpoint, and a range inclusive of both the 60°C and 75°C endpoints.

[0267] Throughout this document, preferred embodiments and preferred aspects disclosing two or more features, each with preferred ranges or alternatives, should be understood to include all possible combinations of those features. For example, an embodiment in which "a% by weight of feature A, more preferably b% by weight of feature A, even more preferably c% by weight of feature A have length x, more preferably length y, even more preferably length z" discloses all embodiments including the following combinations of features: a, x; a, y; a, z; b, x; b, y; b, z; c, x; c, y; c, z.

[0268] Some preferred embodiments and preferred aspects may include different combinations of features. When various combinations are listed, the combinations are separated by semicolons (";"). For example, the list "a; a+b; a+c+d" should be understood to disclose embodiments including feature "a," embodiments including features "a" and "b," and embodiments including features "a," "c," and "d."

[0269] In the description, the following abbreviations are used: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene glycol (EG), monoethylene glycol (MEG), bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET).

[0270] Volume A "volume" (e.g., V1, V2) should preferably be understood to mean a volume adapted and arranged to receive a certain amount of solid, liquid, gas, or a combination thereof. Examples of a "volume" include a storage tank, a storage vessel, a reactor (e.g., a depolymerization reactor), a pipe, a siphon, or a combination of two or more thereof. The numbering of the volumes should preferably be understood as a means of identifying the volumes. For example, if a method for producing a first intermediate product is carried out in volumes V1 and V3, this does not mean that the method is also carried out in volume V2.

[0271] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that at least two volumes at least partially intersect in space. For example, a first polyester is contacted with a first amount of a first organic compound in volume V1, while the reduction of the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester is carried out in volume V3. Volumes V1 and V3 are considered to intersect in space when both volumes V1 and V3 refer to the same internal volume of the reactor. When two volumes (e.g., a first volume and an additional volume) intersect in space, the volumes are distinguished from each other by a difference of at least one physical parameter (e.g., temperature) within the volumes of at least 15%. For example, the average temperature of the first volume is 60°C, while the average temperature of the additional volume is 120°C. When two volumes (e.g., a first volume and an additional volume) intersect in space, for example, the transfer of the first initial mixture from the first volume to the additional volume is preferably understood to mean that at least one physical parameter, such as temperature, within the volume changes by at least 15%.

[0272] In another more preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least two, more preferably at least three, and even more preferably at least four, and even more preferably all, of the volumes spatially intersect by less than 30%, more preferably less than 20%, and even more preferably less than 10%. In this embodiment, it is preferred that at least two of the volumes are in the same vessel, e.g., a reactor or storage tank. However, it is more preferred that in this embodiment, the volumes are in different vessels, e.g., a reactor or storage tank.

[0273] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first polyester is preferably transported from volume V1 to volume V2. In this embodiment, at least one outlet through which the first polyester leaves volume V1 is preferably located less than 50 cm, more preferably less than 40 cm, and even more preferably less than 35 cm from the bottom of volume V1. In this embodiment, at least one inlet (e.g., a first type of inlet) through which the first polyester enters volume V2 is preferably located less than 50 cm, more preferably less than 40 cm, and even more preferably less than 30 cm from the bottom of volume V2. The distance from the bottom of the volume to the inlet (or outlet) is measured from the bottom of the volume to the point of the inlet (or outlet) closest to the bottom.

[0274] In one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that at least one, more preferably at least two, even more preferably at least three, and even more preferably all, of the volumes are in fluid communication. In another embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that at least one or all of the following apply: volume V1 is in fluid communication with volume V2; volume V2 is in fluid communication with volume V3; volume V3 is in fluid communication with volume V4; volume V4 is in fluid communication with volume V5; volume V5 is in fluid communication with volume V6; volume V6 is in fluid communication with volume V7; volume V1 is in fluid communication with volume V3; volume V3 is in fluid communication with volume V5; volume V3 is in fluid communication with volume V7; and volume V5 is in fluid communication with volume V7.

[0275] In one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that at least one, more preferably at least two, even more preferably at least three, and even more preferably all volumes are in fluid communication with at least one filtering means. In one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that at least one or all of the following applies: volume V4 is in fluid communication with at least one filtering means; and volume V5 is in fluid communication with at least one filtering means.

[0276] In one embodiment of the present invention, volume V2 preferably comprises a first zone and a further zone. In this embodiment, the further zone is preferably downstream of the first zone. In this embodiment, the weight ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first zone is preferably different from the weight ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the further zone. More preferably, the weight ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first zone is smaller than the weight ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the further zone.

[0277] In one aspect of the invention, volume V2 preferably comprises a first zone and a further zone which are not adjacent to each other.

[0278] In another embodiment of the present invention, volume V2 preferably has a first zone and a further zone adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, the first zone and the further zone are preferably at least partially separated by a boundary. The preferred boundary is a physical boundary, a virtual boundary, or a combination thereof. The virtual boundary is preferably defined as a location where a measurable physical property in volume V2 abruptly changes. An example of the physical property is the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in volume V2. The abrupt change is preferably defined such that the value of the physical property changes by at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, and even more preferably at least 70% over a distance of less than 50 cm, more preferably less than 30 cm, and even more preferably less than 15 cm. For example, the virtual boundary may be defined by the liquid level of the first organic compound in volume V2. An example of a physical boundary between the first zone and the further zone is a sieve.

[0279] In one aspect of the invention, volume V1 is preferably adapted and arranged for at least one or all of removing at least one impurity from the surface of the first polyester (e.g., removing labels from PET flakes), removing at least one impurity from the first initial mixture, and removing at least one impurity (e.g., dust) from the raw material.

[0280] In one embodiment of the present invention, volume V2 is preferably adapted and arranged for at least one or all of removing at least one impurity from the mixture comprising the first polyester and the first organic compound, at least partially depolymerizing the first polyester (preferably by solvolysis), and embrittling the first polyester. "Embrittlement" should preferably be understood to mean a process that makes the first polyester more brittle. For example, if the first polyester is in the form of PET flakes, the force required to break the flakes into small pieces after embrittlement is less than the force required to break the PET flakes into small pieces before embrittlement.

[0281] In one aspect of the invention, volume V3 is preferably adapted and arranged to at least partially depolymerize the first polyester, preferably using solvolysis.

[0282] In one aspect of the invention, volume V4 is preferably adapted and arranged for at least one or all of mixing a liquid with particulate matter and heating the liquid.

[0283] In one aspect of the invention, volume V5 is preferably adapted and arranged for at least one or all of storing a liquid, maintaining the temperature of a liquid, heating a liquid, or a combination of at least two thereof.

[0284] In one aspect of the invention, volume V6 is preferably adapted and arranged to at least partially polymerize at least one or all of the monomers and oligomers, more preferably by polycondensation.

[0285] In one aspect of the invention, volume V7 is preferably adapted and arranged to at least partially polymerize at least one or all of the monomers and oligomers, more preferably by polycondensation.

[0286] In one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred to contact the first polyester with a further amount of a first organic compound in volume V2 of A1) and to reduce the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester in volume V2 of A2). In this embodiment, steps A1) and A2) are preferably carried out at least partly simultaneously.

[0287] In one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred to B1) contact the first polyester with a further organic compound in volume V3 and B2) reduce the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester in volume V3. In this embodiment, steps B1) and B2) are preferably carried out at least partly simultaneously.

[0288] fluid communication The phrase "fluid communication" should preferably be understood to mean that when a first component (e.g., volume V1) and a further component (e.g., volume V2) are in fluid communication with each other, a fluid, a gas, or a combination thereof can flow from the first component to the further component, or from the further component to the first component, or both. Preferably, when components are "fluid communication" with each other, this should further be understood to not mean that the components need to be adjacent to each other. For example, the further component can be disposed between the first component and the further component. The first component and the further component are "fluid communication" if, for example, a fluid can flow from the first component to the further component through the further component.

[0289] In one aspect of the invention, when a first component is in fluid communication with a further component and the further component is in fluid communication with yet a further component, this should preferably be understood to mean that the first component and the yet further component are in fluid communication with each other.

[0290] In one aspect of the present invention, at least one or all of a solid, a mixture of a solid and a liquid, a mixture of a solid and a gas, and a mixture of a solid, a liquid, and a gas can be preferably transported between two components in fluid communication with each other. For example, a mixture containing PET flakes and MEG can be transported between two volumes in fluid communication with each other using an Archimedes screw, a siphon, or a combination thereof.

[0291] Mass ratio of first polyester to organic compound The weight ratio of the first polyester to the organic compound (e.g., first organic compound, further organic compound) should preferably be understood to mean the weight ratio of the first polyester to the free organic compound.

[0292] raw material In one aspect of the present invention, a "feedstock" comprising a first polyester is provided. In this aspect, the feedstock may optionally contain one or more other components, such as at least one impurity. In various and preferred aspects of the present invention, the first polyester is contacted with an organic compound (e.g., a first organic compound, an additional organic compound). This contact of the first polyester with the organic compound should preferably be understood to include both a) a scenario in which at least one other component of the feedstock is at least partially separated from the first polyester (i.e., the feedstock as originally provided is no longer present or its composition has been altered) before contact with the organic compound, and it is the first polyester (from which at least one other component has at least partially been removed) that contacts the organic compound; and b) a scenario in which the feedstock is contacted with the organic compound without at least partially removing at least one other component. The above preferably applies mutatis mutandis to the transportation of the first polyester.

[0293] For example, a first polyester is contacted with a first organic compound in volume V1. The first polyester was provided as part of a raw material containing impurities. The impurities were not removed prior to the contact. That is, contact of the first polyester with the first organic compound corresponds to contact of the raw material with the first organic compound. In volume V1, the impurities are partially removed, and the first polyester is transported to volume V2 along with some of the impurities that were not removed. Here, the transported first polyester and impurities are no longer equivalent to those of the raw material originally provided.

[0294] Multiple fragments An "article of manufacture" is preferably to be understood as an article comprising the first polyester. Examples of articles of manufacture include articles that have been used at least once, preferably by a consumer (e.g., post-consumer waste), articles that have been produced but never used (e.g., articles that have been rejected for not meeting quality requirements), and articles that are by-products of a manufacturing process (e.g., off-cuts). Examples of articles of manufacture include bottles and thermoformed articles. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the articles of manufacture are bottles and thermoformed articles, more preferably bottles.

[0295] In one aspect of the present invention, the first polyester in the raw material is preferably in the form of a plurality of fragments. In this aspect, the plurality of fragments is preferably obtained by treating an article of manufacture. Examples of treating the article of manufacture include shredding, crushing, or a combination thereof. For example, a PET bottle is provided, and the PET bottle is first shredded to obtain PET flakes, which are then crushed. In another example, a PET-containing textile is provided, and the textile is shredded to obtain textile fragments. In this aspect, the raw material is in the form of a plurality of fragments, and the article of manufacture is processed to obtain a plurality of fragments, and at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, and even more preferably at least 70% of the fragments preferably have at least one physical dimension that varies from the average by less than 50%, more preferably less than 40%, and even more preferably less than 30%. Examples of at least one physical dimension are the width, length, and thickness of the fragments. For example, at least 70% of the fragments have a width that varies from the average width of the plurality of fragments by less than 40%. In a further aspect of the present invention, the article of manufacture is preferably treated before contacting the raw material with the first amount of the first organic compound.

[0296] The "fragments" of the first polyester preferably have physical dimensions (e.g., length, width, thickness) all less than an upper limit, preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 4 cm, and even more preferably less than 3 cm. An example of multiple "fragments" is PET flake, which is well known to those skilled in the art of recycling.

[0297] The "first dimension" of a fragment should preferably be understood to mean the width, length, or both of the fragment. The "length" of a fragment should preferably be understood to refer to the largest dimension of the fragment. The "width" of a fragment should preferably be understood to refer to the second largest dimension of the fragment. The "thickness" of a fragment should preferably be understood to refer to the smallest dimension of the fragment.

[0298] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the geometric shape of the pieces is not limited, for example, the pieces may be flat, parabolic, or irregularly shaped.

[0299] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of fragments preferably includes a plurality of first type fragments and a plurality of further type fragments. The "first type fragments" should preferably be understood to mean fragments having a maximum thickness of less than 1.0 mm. The "further type fragments" should preferably be understood to mean fragments having a maximum thickness of 1.0 mm or more. An example of the "first type fragments" is fragments obtained by shredding the wall of a PET beverage container. An example of the "further type fragments" is fragments obtained by shredding the bottom of a PET beverage container.

[0300] In the preferred embodiments and descriptions, when a "fragment" is mentioned, this should preferably be understood to mean a fragment that constitutes a plurality of fragments.

[0301] At least one impurity In one embodiment of the present invention, the feedstock preferably contains at least one impurity, preferably less than 3.0 wt %, more preferably less than 2.0 wt %, even more preferably less than 1.0 wt %, even more preferably less than 0.5 wt %, and even more preferably less than 0.1 wt %, based on the total weight of the feedstock.

[0302] Examples of "at least one impurity" include adhesive, paper, sand (e.g., in the form of dust), stone (e.g., gravel), wood, food residue, at least one metal (e.g., Sb, Fe, Ti, Al), at least one polyolefin (e.g., high density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene), polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, fuel (e.g., paraffin, gasoline, diesel), or a combination of two or more thereof. An example of the at least one polyolefin impurity is a bottle cap.

[0303] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first polyester in the feedstock is provided in the form of a plurality of pieces, and examples of the at least one impurity include one or all of at least one impurity attached to the outer surface of the piece (e.g., a label attached to the outer surface of a PET flake), at least one impurity mixed with the plurality of pieces (e.g., gravel mixed with a PET flake), and combinations thereof.

[0304] In one aspect of the present invention, the feedstock is preferably washed, preferably using at least one or all of water and a caustic wash solution. A preferred caustic wash solution includes sodium hydroxide. In this aspect, the feedstock is preferably washed before contacting the feedstock with the first amount of the first organic compound. For example, the feedstock used in the method for producing the first intermediate product of the present invention is washed before contacting the feedstock with the first amount of the first organic compound.

[0305] Number of particles per unit area In one aspect of the present invention, a. The particle count per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in volume V1 is at least 100,000 particles / cm 2 , more preferably at least 1,000,000 particles / cm 2 , more preferably at least 3,000,000 particles / cm 2 And, b. The particle count per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the first zone of volume V2 is 3,000 particles / cm 2 ~350000 particles / cm 2 in the range of 30,000 particles / cm 2 ~250000 particles / cm 2 in the range of 100,000 particles / cm 2 ~200000 particles / cm 2 and c. The particle number per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in a further zone of volume V2 is 100 particles / cm 2 ~12000 particles / cm 2 in the range of 500 particles / cm 2~6000 particles / cm 2 in the range of 1000 particles / cm 2 ~2000 particles / cm 2 and Preferably, at least one or all of the following applies:

[0306] In the above embodiment, all possible combinations of features a to c are preferred, such as a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c.

[0307] entrance "First type of inlet" should preferably be understood to mean an inlet adapted and arranged to allow the first polyester to enter the volume. For example, the volume is a reactor and the first type of inlet is an opening in the side of the reactor.

[0308] "Further type of inlet" should preferably be understood to mean an inlet adapted and arranged to allow an organic compound (e.g., a first organic compound) to enter the volume. A preferred further type of inlet is adapted and arranged to allow the organic compound to enter the volume in gaseous, e.g., vapor, form. An example of a further type of inlet is a gas nozzle, such as a high-pressure gas nozzle.

[0309] "Another type of inlet" should preferably be understood to mean an inlet adapted and arranged to allow an organic compound (e.g., a first organic compound) to enter the volume. A preferred still further type of inlet is adapted and arranged to allow the organic compound to enter the volume in liquid form. An example of a still further type of inlet is a nozzle, such as a nozzle adapted and arranged to spray a liquid.

[0310] Molar mass In one embodiment of the present invention, the number average molar mass of the first polyester before contact with the first amount of the first organic compound is preferably in the range of 12,000 Da to 18,500 Da, more preferably in the range of 12,700 Da to 17,700 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 13,200 Da to 17,200 Da.

[0311] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number average molar mass of the first polyester leaving volume V1 is preferably in the range of 10,100 Da to 21,800 Da, more preferably in the range of 10,900 Da to 21,100 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 11,400 Da to 20,600 Da.

[0312] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number average molar mass of the first polyester leaving volume V2 is preferably in the range of 500 Da to 2500 Da, more preferably in the range of 700 Da to 2000 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 1000 Da to 1500 Da.

[0313] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number average molar mass of the first intermediate product is preferably in the range of 200 Da to 600 Da, more preferably in the range of 300 Da to 500 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 350 Da to 400 Da.

[0314] In one embodiment of the invention, the number average molar mass of the further intermediate product leaving volume V6 is preferably in the range from 200 Da to 600 Da, more preferably in the range from 3000 Da to 6500 Da, even more preferably in the range from 3700 Da to 5500 Da.

[0315] In one embodiment of the invention, the number average molar mass of the further intermediate product leaving volume V7 is preferably in the range from 6500 Da to 10500 Da, more preferably in the range from 7500 Da to 10000 Da, even more preferably in the range from 8000 Da to 9500 Da.

[0316] In one aspect of the present invention, the first polyester is preferably in the form of a plurality of fragments of a first type and a plurality of fragments of a further type. A) the weight-average molar mass of the first type of fragments before contact with the first amount of the first organic compound is in the range of 55,000 Da to 72,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 60,000 Da to 68,000 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 62,000 Da to 66,000 Da; B) the weight-average molar mass of the plurality of further types of fragments before contact with the first amount of the first organic compound is in the range of 50,000 Da to 70,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 55,000 Da to 64,000 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 57,000 Da to 62,000 Da; C) the weight-average molar mass of the first type fragments coming out of volume V1 is in the range of 47,000 Da to 58,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 49,000 Da to 56,500 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 51,000 Da to 54,500 Da; D) the weight-average molar mass of the plurality of further fragments from volume V1 is in the range of 44,000 Da to 77,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 48,000 Da to 73,000 Da, and even more preferably in the range of 50,000 Da to 71,000 Da; E) the weight-average molar mass of the first type of fragments coming out of volume V2 is in the range of 3700 Da to 6000 Da, more preferably in the range of 4100 Da to 5300 Da; F) the weight-average molar mass of the plurality of further fragments coming out of volume V2 is in the range of 2300 Da to 7500 Da, more preferably in the range of 3200 Da to 7200 Da; Preferably, at least one or all of the following applies:

[0317] In the above embodiment, all possible combinations of features A to F are preferred. These combinations include, for example, A;B;C;D;E;F;A+B;A+C;A+D;A+E;A+F;B+C;B+D;B+E;B+F;C+D;C+E;C+F;D+E;D+F;E+F;A+B+C;A+B+D;A+B+E;A+B+F;A+C+D;A+C+E;A+C+F;A+D+E;A+D+F;A+E+F;B+C+D;B+C+E;B+C+F;B+D+E;B+D+F;B+E+F;C+D+E;C+D+F;C+E+F; D+E+F;A+B+C+D;A+B+C+E;A+B+C+F;A+B+D+E;A+B+D+F;A+B+E+F;A+C+D+E;A+C+D+F;A+C+E+F;A+D+E+F;B+C+D+E;B+C+D+ F;B+C+E+F;B+D+E+F;C+D+E+F;A+B+C+D+E;A+B+C+D+F;A+B+C+E+F;A+B+D+E+F;A+C+D+E+F;B+C+D+E+F;A+B+C+D+E+F.

[0318] Orientation relative to gravity When a direction (e.g., a first direction) is "at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity," this should preferably be understood to mean that when the direction is resolved into three perpendicular components, the component parallel to the direction of gravity is oriented such that it is opposite to the direction of gravity. When a direction (e.g., a first direction) is "at least partially along the direction of gravity," this should preferably be understood to mean that when the direction is resolved into three perpendicular components, the component parallel to the direction of gravity is oriented along the direction of gravity, i.e., pointing in the same direction as gravity.

[0319] Stirring in the volume The stirring in the volume is preferably carried out using mechanical means adapted and arranged for stirring, non-mechanical means adapted and arranged for stirring, or a combination thereof. Examples of suitable mechanical means include agitators, such as vertical blade agitators, turbines, impellers, and propellers. Examples of suitable non-mechanical means include injecting at least one fluid (e.g., in the form of a gas, liquid, or a combination thereof) into the volume, preferably under pressure, and ultrasound. For example, the additional organic compound is injected into volume V3 as a liquid through a nozzle.

[0320] organic compound Preferred "organic compounds" (e.g., first organic compounds, further organic compounds) are compounds suitable for use in reducing the molar mass (e.g., weight-average molar mass, number-average molar mass) of the first polyester, preferably by solvolysis. For example, when the first polyester is PET, (mono)ethylene glycol, alcohol, or methanol can be used to reduce the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester by a solvolysis process. Preferred "organic compounds" (e.g., first organic compounds, further organic compounds) are selected from the list consisting of (mono)ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, alcohol, methanol, and combinations of at least two thereof, with (mono)ethylene glycol being more preferred and monoethylene glycol being particularly preferred.

[0321] A "free" organic compound should preferably be understood to mean an organic compound that is not chemically bound by a covalent bond to, for example, the first polyester, the first intermediate product, or the further intermediate product. A "free" organic compound is in contrast to a "bound" organic compound that is chemically bound by a covalent bond to, for example, the first polyester, the first intermediate product, or the further intermediate product. For example, during the solvolysis of PET with MEG, some MEG is chemically bound to the PET oligomer. Such bound MEG is not free MEG.

[0322] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first organic compound and the further organic compound are preferably the same organic compound, for example, the first organic compound and the further organic compound are both preferably (mono)ethylene glycol.

[0323] initial mixture In one aspect of the invention, the first initial mixture preferably comprises a first polyester and a first organic compound. In one aspect of the invention, the further initial mixture preferably comprises a first polyester and a further organic compound. In this aspect, it is further preferred that the further initial mixture also comprises a first organic compound. In yet another aspect of the invention, it is still preferred that the further initial mixture comprises a first polyester and a first organic compound.

[0324] 1st particulate matter First particulate materials suitable for the present invention are commercially available, for example, from Merck KGaA (Germany) and Donau Carbon GmbH (Germany).

[0325] The "mode" of the first particulate material is a well-known measure of statistical distribution and is further described below with reference to FIG.

[0326] Further Aspects and Definitions In one embodiment of the present invention, the raw material preferably contains less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 1% by weight, and even more preferably less than 0.1% by weight of coloring material. For example, the raw material may include PET flakes obtained by shredding colorless bottles. In one embodiment of the present invention, the raw material preferably contains less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 1% by weight, and even more preferably less than 0.1% by weight of colored fragments.

[0327] In one aspect of the invention, the process according to the invention is preferably operated continuously, semi-continuously or batchwise, examples of which are the "Process for producing a first intermediate product" and the "Process for producing a further intermediate product".

[0328] A preferred example of the "method for producing a first intermediate product" is a method in which the first intermediate product is produced by recycling the first polyester. A preferred example of the "method for producing a further intermediate product" is a method in which the further intermediate product is produced by recycling the first polyester.

[0329] The process step of "contacting" a component (e.g., the first polyester) with an organic compound preferably includes at least one or all of the following process steps: mixing the organic compound and the component (e.g., mixing the organic compound and the component in a volume using a stirring means); keeping the organic compound and the component in contact with each other (e.g., the component and the organic compound form a mixture and the component is suspended in the organic compound or the component is at least partially dissolved in the organic compound); passing the organic compound through the component (e.g., allowing steam to pass through a porous component, or the component is in the form of a plurality of pieces and allowing steam to pass between the pieces); and combinations of at least two or more thereof.

[0330] The process step "reducing the weight average molar mass of the first polyester" preferably includes at least one or all of at least partially depolymerizing the first polyester (e.g., by solvolysis), heating the first polyester, photolyzing the first polyester, shearing the first polyester, and combinations of at least two or more thereof.

[0331] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is particularly preferred that the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester be reduced by solvolysis. Examples of solvolysis include hydrolysis, glycolysis, alcoholysis, and aminolysis. For example, if the first polyester is PET, water can be used to depolymerize the PET into terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol (hydrolysis). For example, methanol can be used to depolymerize the PET into dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol (methanolysis). For example, (mono)ethylene glycol can be used to depolymerize the PET into BHET and other PET glycolysis products (glycolysis). In this embodiment, glycolysis is particularly preferred.

[0332] The process step of "increasing the weight-average molar mass of an intermediate product (e.g., a first intermediate product or a further intermediate product)" preferably includes at least one or all of at least partially polymerizing the intermediate product, crosslinking the intermediate product, transesterifying the intermediate product, or a combination of at least two or more thereof. In one aspect of the invention, it is particularly preferred that the weight-average molar mass of the intermediate product is increased by at least partially polymerizing the intermediate product. In this aspect, polycondensation is preferred.

[0333] "Intrinsic viscosity" is preferably to be understood to mean the average intrinsic viscosity.

[0334] A "first direction" should preferably be understood to mean a direction that is at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity. A "further direction" should preferably be understood to mean a direction that is at least partially along the direction of gravity.

[0335] "Ambient pressure" in a volume should preferably be understood to mean the pressure in the headspace of the volume. "Overpressure" in a volume should preferably be understood to mean the pressure differential relative to ambient pressure, e.g., atmospheric pressure, at the location of the volume.

[0336] A "repeat unit" should preferably be understood to mean a portion of a polymer whose repetition produces a polymer chain. For example, a polymer is formed by linking "repeat units." A "dimer" should preferably be understood to mean a chain consisting of two "repeat units." A "trimer" should preferably be understood to mean a chain consisting of three "repeat units." In one aspect of the invention, preferred repeat units have the following form: [ka]

[0337] The "first intermediate product" is preferably understood to mean a product obtained by reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester. Examples of the "first intermediate product" are oligomers of the first polyester, monomers of the first polyester, or a combination thereof. In one aspect of the present invention, the "first intermediate product" preferably comprises at least one or all of monomers of the first polyester, oligomers of the first polyester, and both.

[0338] "Oligomer" should be understood to mean a chain of repeating units, preferably having a number of repeating units of 50 or less.

[0339] Test Method The following test methods were utilized within the context of the present invention. Unless otherwise stated, measurements were performed at an ambient temperature of 25°C, an ambient pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm), and a relative humidity of 65%. Unless otherwise stated, the measurement method has a margin of error of ±5%.

[0340] In the following test methods, when PET is referred to, it should be understood that this is applicable to any polyester without adjusting the specific test method.

[0341] Bulk density of raw material If the raw material contains multiple fragments, the bulk density ρ of the raw material BULK,FEED is calculated according to standard ASTM D1895-17 B. The bulk density of the feedstock is measured before contacting the feedstock with the first amount of the first organic compound. This method is illustrated using the example of a feedstock of PET flakes.

[0342] Bulk density of the first polyester in volume portions V1 and V2 When the first polyester is in the form of a plurality of fragments, the bulk density of the first polyester in volume V1 and in the first zone of volume V2 is determined as follows: This method is illustrated using PET flakes as an example.

[0343] a. The bulk density of the PET flakes coming out of volume V1 is the bulk density ρ of the flakes in volume V1 BULK,V1 is assumed to be the same as ρ BULK,V1 The value of ρ was determined by taking 10 samples of PET flakes at the outlet of volume section V1 and calculating ρ using the same procedure as described for calculating the bulk density of the feedstock. BULK,V1 is determined by calculating b. The pressure in the first zone of volume V2 compresses the PET flakes, resulting in a bulk density ρ in the first zone. BULK,V2,Z1 This bulk density is calculated as follows: ρ BULK,V2,Z1 =C FACTOR ρ BULK,V1 In the formula, C FACTOR is the compression factor. c. Bulk density ρ of the PET flakes in a further zone of volume V2 BULK,V2,Z2 Take 10 samples of PET flakes at the outlet of volume V2 and calculate the bulk density ρ using the same procedure as described for calculating the bulk density of the feedstock. BULK,V2,Z2 is determined by calculating

[0344] Compression coefficient C FACTOR is determined as follows: a. Head pressure p at the bottom of volume V2 HEAD,V2 is calculated as follows: p HEAD,V2 =[H MEG,V2 ·(ρ PET -ρ MEG )+(H REACTOR,V2 -H MEG,V2 )·ρ BULK,V2,Z2 ]·a GRAV In the formula, H MEG,V2 is the height of the first organic compound (e.g., MEG) in volume V2 (measured from the bottom of volume V2), and H REACTOR,V2 is the height of the volume V2, and ρ PET is the density of PET in SI units (1380 kg / m 3 ) and ρ MEG is the density of MEG in SI units (1110 kg / m 3 ) and ρ BULK,V2,Z2 is an SI unit, and a GRAV is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m / s). HEAD,V2 The value is in N / m 2 is. b. 500ml PET flakes (V PET,C-TEST,INITIAL ) is placed in a cylindrical container with a diameter of 50 mm. The PET flake samples are taken from raw materials and are not mixed with organic compounds. c. A cylindrical rod with a diameter of 12 mm is used to apply pressure to the PET flakes. The pressure exerted by the rod, p ROD,TEST is calculated as follows: p ROD,TEST =p HEAD,V2 ·(A CONTAINER / A ROD ) In the formula, A CONTAINER is the diameter of the cylindrical container (1964 mm 2 ) and A ROD is the diameter of the rod (13mm 2 ) d. Pressure p ROD,TESTis added to the PET flakes in the cylindrical container for 5 minutes. The rod is then removed and the volume of the PET flakes in the cylindrical container (V PET,C-TEST,AFTER ) is measured. e. Perform the above experiment 10 times. Compression coefficient C FACTOR is calculated as follows: C FACTOR =V PET,C-TEST,INITIAL,AVG -V PET,C-TEST,AFTER,AVG In the formula, V PET,C-TEST,INITIAL,AVG (500 ml) is the average volume of the PET flakes in 10 replicates of the experiment, measured before applying the rod, and V PET,C-TEST,AFTER,AVG is the average volume of the PET flakes in 10 replicates of the experiment, measured after removing the rod.

[0345] Mass ratio of first polyester to organic compound The mass ratio of the first polyester to the organic compound is determined as described below: The method is demonstrated using PET flake as the first polyester and MEG as the first and further organic compounds.

[0346] The mass ratio of PET to MEG in volume V1 is determined as described below. The aggregate sample used to determine the mass ratio is obtained as shown in the description of FIG. 9. The mass ratio is determined as follows: First, the mass M of the aggregate sample of the first initial mixture is determined. SAMPLE,TOTAL,V1 Next, the MEG is decanted from the aggregate sample and the remaining PET flakes are placed in an oven at 250°C for 1 hour. After 1 hour, the PET flakes are removed and weighed to determine the weight of the PET flakes, M SAMPLE,PET,V1 The weight of MEG in the ensemble sample M SAMPLE,MEG,V1 is expressed as follows: M SAMPLE,MEG,V1 =M SAMPLE,TOTAL,V1 -M SAMPLE,PET,V1

[0347] The mass ratio of PET to MEG in volume V1 is calculated as follows: R PET / MEG,SAMPLE,V1 =M SAMPLE,PET,V1 / MSAMPLE,MEG,V1

[0348] I. The mass ratio R of PET to MEG in the first zone of the volume V2 PET / MEG,V2,Z1 is calculated as follows: a. Flake packing ratio V F-RATIO,PET,V2 is calculated using the following formula: V F-RATIO,PET,V2,Z1 =ρ BULK,V2,Z1 / ρ PET In the formula, ρ BULK,V2,Z1 is the bulk density of the flakes in the first zone of volume V2 calculated above, and ρ PET is the density of PET (1380 kg / m 3 ) b.MEG filling rate V F-RATIO,MEG,V2,Z1 is calculated as follows: V F-RATIO,MEG,V2,Z1 =1-V F-RATIO,PET,V2,Z1 c. Filling ratio R F-RATIOS,V2,Z1 is calculated as follows: R F-RATIOS,V2,Z1 =V F-RATIO,PET,V2,Z1 / V F-RATIO,MEG,V2,Z1 d. Mass ratio R of PET to MEG in the first zone of volume V2 PET / MEG,V2,Z1 is calculated using the following formula: R PET / MEG,V2,Z1 =R F-RATIOS,V2,Z1 ·(ρ PET / ρ MEG ) In the formula, ρ MEG is the density of MEG (1113 kg / m 3 )

[0349] II. The mass ratio R of PET to MEG in the further zone of volume V2 PET / MEG,V2,Z2 is calculated by taking 10 samples of PET flakes from volume V2. Each sample weighs 100 g. The PET flakes in the sample have MEG attached to the surface of the flakes. The mass ratio R of the sample SAMPLE,PET / MEG is calculated as follows: a.The mass of the sample is M SAMPLE,V2,Z2 This mass is expressed as the mass of the PET flakes MSAMPLE,PET,V2,Z2 and the mass of MEG attached to the PET flake, M SAMPLE,MEG,V2,Z2 This is the sum of the above. b. Place the samples on a tray, then place the tray in an oven at a temperature of 250°C for at least 1 hour. Every 20 minutes, remove the samples, weigh them using an analytical balance, and return them to the oven. This procedure is repeated until three consecutive weight measurements do not vary by more than 0.2%. The average of the last three measurements is M SAMPLE,PET,V2,Z2 The weight of the MEG is expressed as follows: M SAMPLE,MEG,V2,Z2 =M SAMPLE,V2,Z2 -M SAMPLE,PET,V2,Z2 c. Therefore, the mass ratio of PET to MEG in the sample is expressed by the following formula: R SAMPLE,PET / MEG,V2,Z2 =M SAMPLE,PET,V2,Z2 / M SAMPLE,MEG,V2,Z2 d. Mass ratio R PET / MEG,V2,Z2 is the value R calculated for 10 samples SAMPLE,PET / MEG,V2,Z2 It is calculated as the average of

[0350] Changes in characteristics The percent change of a physical property (eg, the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester) is determined as follows. χ=100·|P2-P1| / P1 where χ is the rate of change, P1 is the average value of the property measured at the first location, and P2 is the average value of the property measured at the second location. The change can be either an increase or a decrease. Ten measurements of the physical property at the first location should be taken, with each measurement separated by a five-minute interval. P1 is the average value of the ten measurements taken at the first location. Similarly, ten measurements of the physical property at the second location should be taken, with each measurement separated by a five-minute interval. P2 is the average value of the ten measurements taken at the second location.

[0351] For determining the rate of change of the intrinsic viscosity and molar mass (e.g., weight average molar mass, number average molar mass) of the first polyester within volume V1, P1 is measured at the inlet where the first polyester enters volume V1, and P2 is measured at the outlet where the first polyester leaves volume V1.

[0352] For determining the rate of change of the intrinsic viscosity and molar mass (e.g., weight average molar mass, number average molar mass) of the first polyester within volume V2, P1 is measured at the inlet where the first polyester enters volume V2, and P2 is measured at the outlet where the first polyester leaves volume V2.

[0353] Changes in physical properties should be calculated using values ​​expressed in the units used for this property in the description, e.g., changes in temperature should be calculated using values ​​expressed in °C.

[0354] Relative ratio of characteristics Unless otherwise specified, the relative ratio β of a physical property (eg, the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity) is determined as follows: β=P1 / P2 where P1 is the average value of the property measured at the first location and P2 is the average value of the property measured at the second location. Except for the raw material value P1, the values ​​of P1 and P2 are calculated as described in the method for determining "change in property."

[0355] For the determination of the relative ratio of the particle number per unit area of ​​the at least one impurity in the feedstock to the particle number per unit area of ​​the at least one impurity at the outlet of volume V1, P1 is measured in the feedstock before the feedstock is transported to volume V1, and P2 is measured at the outlet where the first polyester leaves volume V1. For the feedstock, 10 measurements of P1 are made at 10 different locations within the feedstock, these locations being uniformly distributed throughout the volume of the feedstock.

[0356] For the determination of the relative ratio of the temperature in the first zone and the temperature in the further zone of volume V2, P1 is measured at the inlet where the first polyester enters volume V2 and P2 is measured at the outlet where the first polyester leaves volume V2.

[0357] For determining the relative ratio of the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the first zone of volume V2 to the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the further zone, P1 is measured at the inlet where the first polyester enters volume V2 and P2 is measured at the outlet where the first polyester leaves volume V2.

[0358] the relative ratio β of the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first zone of volume V2 to the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the further zone of volume V2; PET / MEG,V2,Z1 / Z2 is calculated as follows: β PET / MEG,V2,Z1 / Z2 =R PET / MEG,V2,Z1 / R PET / MEG,V2,Z2 In the formula, R PET / MEG,V2,Z1 and R PET / MEG,V2,Z2 is calculated as above.

[0359] Relative ratios should be calculated using values ​​expressed in the units used for this property in the description, e.g., temperature relative ratios should be calculated using values ​​expressed in °C.

[0360] Density of the first polyester The density of the first polyester is well known in the art and can be found, for example, in CA Harper, Modern Plastics Handbook: Handbook, McGraw-Hill Professional, New York, 2000 and https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Polyethylene_terephthalate.

[0361] Raw material composition PVC content of raw material C PVCis determined by selecting 10 samples containing PET flakes from the raw material. The samples are selected at positions that are uniformly distributed throughout the volume of the raw material. The PVC content of the samples, C SAMPLE,PVC is determined as follows: i) Weigh out a 250 g sample. The weighed sample is taken as the mass W A Place sample A on a tray. ii) Place the tray in an oven at 200°C for 2 hours. iii) Remove the tray from the oven and allow Sample A to cool to room temperature (below 25°C). iv) Remove the burnt or blackened parts or pieces from sample A, and designate the removed parts or pieces as sample B. v) Weigh sample B. The mass of sample B is W B Let's say. vi) PVC content of the sample C SAMPLE,PVC is calculated as follows: C SAMPLE,PVC =W B / W A 10 6 In the formula, C SAMPLE,PVC is the PVC content in ppm.

[0362] Sample A and Sample B are weighed using an analytical balance. PVC content in the raw material C PVC is the measured value of the sample, C SAMPLE,PVC is the average value of

[0363] Floatable impurities content in raw material C F is measured by selecting 10 samples containing PET flakes from the raw material. The samples are selected at positions that are uniformly distributed throughout the volume of the raw material. The floatable impurity content C of the sample is SAMPLE,C is measured as follows: i) Fill a plastic beaker with 500 ml of distilled water. ii) Weigh out a 250g sample. The weighed raw material is taken as the mass W C The specimen C has the following structure. iii) Transfer sample C to a plastic beaker and stir the distilled water and sample C for 10 minutes. iv) The mixture of distilled water and sample C is left to stand for 10 minutes. v) Remove the material floating on the surface of the distilled water and place it in a Petri dish. The mass of the Petri dish containing the removed material is W D Measure. vi) Place the Petri dish in a 110°C oven for 1 hour. vii) Remove the Petri dish from the oven and cool it in a desiccator. The mass of the Petri dish after cooling is W E Measure. viii) The content of floatable matter in the sample, C SAMPLE,F is calculated as follows: C SAMPLE,F =(W E -W D ) / W C 10 6

[0364] The sample C and the Petri dish are weighed using an analytical balance. The content of floatable impurities in the raw material, C F is the measured value of the sample, C SAMPLE,F is the average value of

[0365] Solid impurity content in raw material C S is determined by selecting 10 samples containing PET flakes from the raw material. The samples are selected at positions that are uniformly distributed throughout the volume of the raw material. The solid impurity content C in the sample SAMPLE,S is determined as follows: i) Weigh out a 250 g sample. The weighed sample is taken as the mass W F Let sample F have the following structure. ii) Place Sample F on the stainless steel tray by spreading Sample F on the surface of the stainless steel tray. iii) Manually sort sample F for impurities such as labels, glued labels, caps and closures, colored fragments (e.g., blue, green, red, yellow, and other colors), metals, stones, rubber, and other unidentified materials. iv) Mass W GA Petri dish having: v) The manually selected impurities are placed in a Petri dish and the Petri dish is weighed. The mass of the Petri dish containing the impurities is W H Let's say. ix) Solids content C SAMPLE,S is calculated as follows: C SAMPLE,S =(W H -W G ) / W F 10 6

[0366] The sample F and the Petri dish are weighed using an analytical balance. The solid impurity content C in the raw material S is the measured value of the sample, C SAMPLE,S is the average value of

[0367] % by weight of PET in raw material 重量% is measured as follows: PET 重量% =100%-(C PVC -C F -C S ) / 10 6

[0368] Percentages related to multiple fragments In some preferred embodiments and aspects of the present invention, the feedstock comprises a plurality of pieces. Many of these aspects and embodiments are characterized in that "at least X% by weight of the pieces" or "no more than X% by weight of the pieces" have a particular geometric characteristic, such as a thickness greater than 1 mm. The geometric characteristic includes the thickness, width, and length of the pieces, where X is a variable calculated as follows: X=M % / M FRAGMENT,TOTAL In the formula, M % is the mass of the fragment with a particular property, and M FRAGMENT,TOTAL are the masses of the selected fragment samples.

[0369] To determine X, 10 fragment samples each weighing 250 g are selected from the raw material at evenly distributed positions. Therefore, M FRAGMENT,TOTAL is 2.5 kg. The geometric property (e.g., thickness) of each fragment is measured at five equally spaced locations on the fragment. The geometric property is measured using a caliper. The maximum measured value is defined as the value of the geometric property of the fragment. For example, if the thicknesses of a fragment are measured to be 1.3 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.4 mm, and 1.2 mm, the thickness of the fragment is 1.7 mm.

[0370] Particle size of the first particulate matter The median particle size of the first particulate material is measured using a particle analyzer and setup Helos / BR+Rodos+Vibri / L, which is commercially available from Sympatec GmbH (Germany).

[0371] temperature The temperature is measured using a resistance thermometer commercially available from WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG (Germany).

[0372] The temperature in a first zone of volume V2 is measured at 10 different equally spaced positions in the first zone. The average of the 10 measurements defines the temperature in the first zone. The temperature in a further zone of volume V2 is measured at 10 different equally spaced positions in the further zone. The average of the 10 measurements defines the temperature in the further zone.

[0373] Molar mass number average molar mass M n teeth,

number

number

[0374] The molar mass (e.g., weight-average molar mass, number-average molar mass) of the first polyester is measured using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). This method is suitable for determining both the number-average molar mass and the weight-average molar mass. This method is carried out as follows: i) A sample of the first polyester is mixed with an eluent to produce a solution with a concentration of 3.0 mg / ml of the first polyester, where the eluent is 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) + 0.05 M potassium trifluoroacetate (KTFAc). ii) The solution is kept at a temperature of 23°C for 12 hours. iii) The solution is filtered using a polytetrafluoroethylene syringe filter with nominal 1.0 μm pores. iv) 50 μL of the filtrate is injected into the detector using a PSS SECcurity 1260 autosampler. The flow rate is 1.0 mL / min. The detector used is a PSS SECcurity 1260 RI detector. For the evaluation of the measured values, the software PSS-WinGPC UniChrom version 8.33 is used. The autosampler, detector, and software are commercially available from PSS Polymer Standards Service GmbH (Germany). The column temperature is 25 °C.

[0375] In order to evaluate the measurements, a calibration of the measurements must be carried out, which is done as follows: a) A conventional calibration is performed using narrow-dispersion standards made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) that reproduce the separation behavior of a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) column. Measurements of PMMA are performed using the same eluents and parameter values ​​as described in points i) to iv) above. b) Next, eight broad standards of a first polyester (eg, PET) are measured. c) The known value M of the first polyester standard w Based on this, the PMMA calibration is used to determine the calibration of the first polyester standard. This calibration is performed using mathematical calculations. This provides the absolute molar mass of the first polyester sample. The molar mass distribution and molar mass average of the first polyester sample are calculated by the strip method based on the calibration curve of the first polyester. Furthermore, the calculations are performed using a computer.

[0376] The calibration curve used for the above calibration is shown in Figure 6. Figure 6A shows the calibration curve for PMMA corresponding to the following data:

[0377] [Table 1]

[0378] Figure 6B shows the measured first polyester standard, where the first polyester is PET. Figure 6C shows the calibration curve used to determine the molar mass of the first polyester. The curve in Figure 6C corresponds to the following data:

[0379] [Table 2]

[0380] For the fits in Figures 6A and 6C, the following calibration parameters were used:

[0381] [Table 3]

[0382] 6A-6C, a PSS PFG, 7 μm, pre-column, 8 mm × 50 mm, and two PSS PFG, 7 μm, linear M, 8 mm × 300 mm columns were used. These columns are commercially available from PSS Polymer Standards Service GmbH (Germany).

[0383] The above method is also used to determine the molar mass (e.g., weight average molar mass, number average molar mass) of the first intermediate product (e.g., PET oligomer), further intermediate products (e.g., recycled PET), and the product.

[0384] Composition of the first intermediate mixture The amount of free MEG in the first intermediate mixture (eg, containing PET oligomer and free MEG) is determined as follows. i) Preparation of periodic acid solution: Add 23 g of periodic acid to a 1000 ml volumetric flask. Dissolve the periodic acid in distilled water. Top up the flask with distilled water to obtain 1000 ml of solution. ii) Preparation of 10% sulfuric acid: Add 25 ml of distilled water to a 100 ml volumetric flask. Add 10 g of 98% sulfuric acid to the flask. Cool the solution to 23°C, then fill the volumetric flask with distilled water to obtain 100 ml of solution. iii) Preparation of 10% potassium iodide: Add 10g of potassium iodide to a beaker. Add 90ml of distilled water to the beaker and shake vigorously. iv) Standardization of 0.1N sodium arsenite solution: Add 125 ± 0.1 mg of potassium iodate to a 300 ml Erlenmeyer flask. Dissolve the potassium iodate in 100 ml of distilled water at 50°C. Add 4 g of solid potassium iodide and 4 ml of 10% sulfuric acid (prepared in step ii) to the flask. Let the solution stand in a closed flask in the dark for 5 minutes. Then add 12 g of solid sodium bicarbonate and dilute with distilled water. Titrate the resulting iodine with the arsenite solution using starch as an indicator. Calculate the F-factor. F factor = initial weight of KIO3 (mg) / 3.567 × used arsenic solution (ml) v) Preparation of starch indicator solution: Add 1 g of starch powder to a 100 ml beaker. Add 10 ml of distilled water to the beaker, then add 100 ml of boiling distilled water. vi) Take a sample of the first intermediate mixture and grind it into fine powder. Determine the initial weight of the sample according to the expected glycol content. [Table 4] vii) Accurately weigh the sample and transfer it to a 300-ml Erlenmeyer flask. Prepare a slurry with 100 ml of distilled water. Acidify the slurry with 3 drops of 10% sulfuric acid (prepared in step ii). Then, add 25 ml of periodate solution (prepared in step i) using a burette. Loosely stopper the flask and let it stand at 23°C for 30 minutes. Shake occasionally. Next, add 10 g of solid sodium bicarbonate and 10% potassium iodide (prepared in step iii) to the flask. Shake vigorously and immediately titrate with 0.1 N sodium arsenite solution (prepared in step iv) until the color turns pale yellow. Next, add 1 ml of starch indicator solution (prepared in step v) and continue titrating until the blue color completely disappears. The endpoint of the titration is indicated by the disappearance of the blue color. The disappearance of color should continue for 3 minutes. viii) Determine a blank with 25 ml of periodate solution (i.e., prepared in step i)) as described in the previous step vii) and all chemicals added except for the addition of the sample as described in the previous step vii). ix) The percentage of free MEG is determined as follows: %MEG content=[(BW-V)×F×0.31] / E where BW is the used 0.1N sodium arsenite solution (ml) of the blank, V is the used 0.1N sodium arsenite solution (ml) of the sample, F is the factor of the 0.1N sodium arsenite solution, and E is the initial weight of the sample (g).

[0385] Mass ratio of the first granular material to the first intermediate mixture The mass ratio R of the first granular material to the first intermediate mixturePM / FIM is calculated as follows: R PM / FIM =M PM / M FIM In the formula, M PM is the mass of the first particulate material, M FIM is the mass of the first intermediate mixture.

[0386] intrinsic viscosity The intrinsic viscosity IV of the first polyester is measured according to standard ASTM D4603:2018, with the following differences: The flow time of the solution in the capillary viscometer is measured at 25°C instead of 30°C (as specified in the standard).

[0387] The above method is also used to measure the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product, the further intermediate product, and the product.

[0388] Unless otherwise specified, the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester in volume V1 is measured at the outlet where the first polyester leaves volume V1. Unless otherwise specified, the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester in the further zone of volume V2 is measured at the outlet where the first polyester leaves volume V2. The intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product is measured at the outlet where the first intermediate product leaves volume V3.

[0389] Number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity Select 10 pieces of the first polyester (e.g., 10 PET flakes). For each piece, take a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image with an area of ​​100 μm × 100 μm (see Figure 7). Count the number of impurities in each image to determine the number of particles / cm per image. 2 (N i ), where the subscript i is the number of particles / cm determined for the ith fragment. 2 Furthermore, the number of impurities is counted on the surface of the fragment, not on the edge of the fragment. The number of particles per unit area, P COUNT is determined as follows: P COUNT =ΣN i / 10 where i = 1 to 10. The number of particles per unit area is therefore determined by averaging the values ​​determined for the 10 images.

[0390] The fraction used to determine the number of particles per unit area of ​​the feedstock is selected prior to contacting the feedstock with a first amount of a first organic compound.

[0391] If volume V2 has a first zone and a further zone, the fragments used to determine the number of particles per unit area of ​​the first zone are selected at the inlet through which the fragments enter volume V2, i.e. the first type inlet. Ten fragments are selected at 5 minute intervals until the selection of ten fragments has been completed.

[0392] The fragments used to determine the number of particles per unit area of ​​the further zone are selected at the outlet where the fragments leave volume V2. As with the selection of fragments entering volume V2, 10 fragments are selected at 5 minute intervals until the selection of 10 fragments is complete.

[0393] pressure The pressure is measured using a pressure gauge commercially available from WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG (Germany).

[0394] Residence time Residence time T RES is determined by the following formula: T RES =V REACTOR / F PRODUCT VOLUME RATE In the formula, V REACTOR is the volume of the volume space, e.g., the volume of the reactor, and F PRODUCT VOLUME RATE is the volumetric velocity at which the mixture (e.g., first intermediate mixture, further intermediate mixture) leaves the volume.

[0395] Color coordinates For example, the color coordinates of the first intermediate mixture and the product (such as yarn) are measured using an UltraScan VIS spectrophotometer commercially available from HunterLab (USA).

[0396] For example, the color coordinates of a sample of the first intermediate mixture (eg, containing PET oligomer and MEG) or product are measured when the temperature of the sample is in the range of 22°C to 25°C.

[0397] Characteristics of the first granular material Properties of the first particulate material, such as total pore surface area, total pore volume, mean pore size, median pore size, modal pore size, and total pore volume, are measured using mercury (Hg) porosimetry. Mercury porosimetry analysis was performed in accordance with ISO 15901-1 (2005). Thermo Fisher Scientific PASCAL 140 (low pressure up to 4 bar) and PASCAL 440 (high pressure up to 4000 bar) and SOLID Software version 3.0.2 (all available from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.) were used to measure the total pore volume of the first particulate material. 3 The instrument was calibrated with a blank of 0.01g / g. During the measurements, the pressure was continuously increased and decreased automatically by the instrument operating in PASCAL mode, and the speed was set to 3 for penetration and 7 for extrusion. The "Cylindrical and Plate" mode was used for the evaluation, and the density of Hg was corrected to the actual temperature. The surface tension value of Hg was 0.48 N / m, and the contact angle was 140°. The sample size of the first granular material was 0.28g-0.29g.

[0398] The present invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples and illustrative embodiments, in which the following abbreviations are used: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), monoethylene glycol (MEG), and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET).

[0399] pH of the first particulate matter The pH of the first granular material is measured in accordance with standard ASTM D 1293-99, Test Method B, specifically as follows: The first granular material is added to deionized water in a 250 ml glass beaker so that the first granular material accounts for 10% by weight of the aqueous suspension of water and first granular material. The aqueous suspension is stirred at 33°C for 10 minutes. After stirring for 10 minutes, the pH is measured using a pH meter by immersing the probe in the suspension. The pH value is measured at 33±1°C. The pH meter used is commercially available from Hanna Instruments Inc. (USA) under model number HI 2211.

[0400] Melting point of the first intermediate product The melting point of the first intermediate product is determined by the transition of the first intermediate product from a solid state to a liquid state. The test method used complies with standard ASTM D7138-16 Test Method-2 (Melting Temperature of Thermoplastic Synthetic Materials), specifically as follows: 0.3 g of powder of the first intermediate product is used as a sample. The sample is placed in a glass capillary tube and placed in a melting point apparatus. The temperature is gradually changed from 25°C to 240°C in 1°C increments. The length of the glass capillary tube is 127 mm and the outer diameter is 7 mm. The glass capillary tube is commercially available from Borosil Glass Works Limited, India (product code: 9801U01). The melting point apparatus is commercially available from Veego Instruments Corporation, India (model number: VMP-CM).

[0401] UV-visible absorbance The UV-visible absorbance spectrum of the first intermediate product is measured using a cuvette (a quartz square cuvette with a volume of 3 ml, a 10 mm optical path, and a range of 190 nm to 1400 nm) and UV-visible spectroscopy. UV-visible spectroscopy is performed on a UV-visible spectrophotometer. Both the cuvette (part number 82600001) and the UV-visible spectrophotometer (model number UV 3200, a double-beam holographic monochromator with 1200 lines / mm) are commercially available from Labindia Analytical Instruments Pvt. Ltd., India.

[0402] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the description of the drawings, reference is made to a raw material comprising PET flakes obtained by shredding PET plastic bottles. Additionally or alternatively, the raw material may comprise textile fragments and / or filaments obtained by shredding textiles. Therefore, in the description of the drawings, the term "PET flakes" should preferably be understood as a general reference to PET flakes obtained by shredding bottles and / or textile fragments and / or filaments obtained by shredding textiles.

[0403] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly and method for producing a first intermediate product and additional polyester, such as PET, in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, Figure 1 shows an assembly and method for recycling post-consumer PET.

[0404] FIG. 1A shows a cross section of the first part of the assembly, seen from the side. A raw material 101 is provided, comprising PET flakes (a first polyester in the form of a plurality of pieces). Residual impurities, such as glue, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) labels, food preservatives, and flavorings, adhere to the surface of the PET flakes. The raw material may also contain other impurities, such as sand. The PET flakes are obtained by shredding PET plastic bottles used for beverages. The raw material 101 is placed in a hopper 102. The raw material 101 is transported from the hopper 102 to a volume V1103. The transport of the raw material 101 can be achieved, for example, using a conveying screw, gravity, or a combination thereof. The volume V1103 can be, for example, a receptacle, a tank, or a reactor, such as a washing reactor.

[0405] Liquid MEG (a first amount of a first organic compound) is added through inlet 104 to volume V1103 and mixed (contacted) with the PET flakes and impurities that make up feedstock 101 to produce a first initial mixture 105 containing PET flakes and liquid MEG. The first initial mixture 105 is agitated (agitation means not shown) to improve mixing of the PET flakes and MEG. Agitation is performed using mechanical means. MEG can remove impurities from the surface of the PET flakes. This is due in part to the fact that MEG is a strong solvent and its ability to remove organic contaminants is enhanced at moderate temperatures. Agitating the first initial mixture 105 also at least partially removes glue from the surface of the PET flakes due to friction between the PET flakes.

[0406] At least some of the impurities, for example, fragments of bottle caps containing polyolefin, float on the surface 106 of the first initial mixture 105. These floating impurities can be removed, for example, using skimming or filtration. The impurities are removed from volume V1103 via outlet 123. In contrast, the PET flakes in first initial mixture 105 sink to the bottom 107 of volume V1103.

[0407] The PET flakes and some of the MEG in the first initial mixture 105 are transported to volume V2108, which is partially filled with MEG. This transport is performed using a conveying screw 109 (an archimedes screw) and a siphon (not shown) in fluid communication with the conveying screw 109 and volume V2108. Further transport means, such as additional conveying screws or pumps, can also be used, but are not shown. Volume V2108 is also in fluid communication with volume V1103. Volume V2108 can be, for example, a receiver, a tank, or a reactor, such as a pre-glycolysis reactor. The conveying screw 109 is positioned to transport the PET flakes transported to volume V2108 along direction 110 (and further directions) that are at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity 161.

[0408] PET flakes enter volume V2108 through a first type of inlet 115. In FIG. 1A, the first type of inlet 115 is an opening in volume V2108. Additionally, MEG (a further amount of the first organic compound) is injected into volume V2108. A first portion of the MEG is injected in vapor form through a further type of inlet 116. The first portion may include MEG that was in vapor form but condensed before being injected into volume V2108. The further type of inlet 116 is a nozzle adapted and arranged to inject MEG vapor under pressure into volume V2108. Although only one further type of inlet 116 is shown, multiple further type inlets 116 are possible. A further portion of the MEG is injected in liquid form through a further type of inlet 117. The further type of inlet 117 is a nozzle adapted and arranged to spray liquid MEG into volume V2108. The PET flakes in volume V2108 are partially depolymerized (reduced in weight-average molar mass) by glycolysis, thereby reducing the weight-average molar mass of the PET flakes in volume V2. Some of the PET flakes may be depolymerized into oligomers in volume V2.

[0409] A screw conveyor (not shown) transports the PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) in volume V2108 in an upward transport direction 118. Vaporous MEG, which enters volume V2108 through a further type of inlet 116, also flows in an upward direction, i.e., along transport direction 118. In contrast, liquid MEG, which enters volume V2108 through a further type of inlet 117, flows in a downward direction, i.e., opposite to transport direction 118.

[0410] The liquid MEG in volume V2108 includes liquid MEG transported from volume V1103, liquid MEG injected through further inlet type 117, and condensed MEG vapor (injected through further inlet type 116). The liquid MEG does not completely fill volume V2108. Thus, the surface (or level) of the liquid MEG forms boundary 119 that divides volume V2108 into first zone 120 and further zone 121. Further zone 121 is downstream of first zone 120.

[0411] The first zone 120 is also filled with a further initial mixture, which includes a mixture of PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) soaked in MEG. A further zone 121 contains PET flakes, liquid MEG adhering to the surfaces of the PET flakes, and MEG vapor. The further zone 121 may also contain PET oligomers.

[0412] As shown in FIG. 1A, the level 111 of MEG in volume V1103 is below the level 113 of MEG in volume V2108. FIG. 1A further shows that MEG levels 111, 113 are measured from ground 114 (e.g., the floor of a recycling plant) to the surface of the liquid MEG in volumes V1103, V2108. This difference in MEG levels 111, 113 causes some of the liquid MEG in volume V2108 to return to volume V1103 via conveying screw 109. Thus, floatable impurities not removed in volume V1103 but transported to volume V2108 (as the PET flakes are transported) may return to volume V1103. The PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) with MEG attached to their surfaces exit volume V2108 via outlet 122.

[0413] 1B shows a cross section of a further portion of the assembly from the side. The PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) exiting through outlet 122 are transported to volume V3124, which is a reactor (e.g., a glycolysis reactor). Volume V3124 is in fluid communication with volume V2108. The PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) enter volume V3124 through inlet 125 and flow through volume V3124 as indicated by arrow 136. Inlet 125 of volume V3124 is also located below outlet 122 of volume V2108. In other words, when the PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) are transported from volume V2108 to volume V3124, the PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) are transported at least partially along the direction of gravity.

[0414] MEG (another organic compound) is fed to volume V3124 through inlet 143. The PET and MEG (fed to volume V3) are mixed to obtain a further initial mixture containing PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) and MEG. As the further initial mixture flows through volume V3124, the MEG in the further initial mixture causes further glycolysis (reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester) of the partially depolymerized PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present). This results in a first intermediate mixture. A transfer pipe 144, fluidly connected to outlet 126, is disposed within volume V3124. The first intermediate mixture exits volume V3124 via transfer pipe 144 and outlet 126. The first intermediate mixture exiting volume V3124 through outlet 126 contains free MEG and a first intermediate product (including BHET and PET oligomers). Oligomers are polymers with two or more repeating units (e.g., dimers, trimers, and oligomers with four or more repeating units). Some PET flake that has not been depolymerized into oligomers or BHET may also be present in the first intermediate mixture.

[0415] As shown by the arrows in FIG. 1B, the first intermediate mixture leaves volume V3124 via outlet 126 and is transported to volume V4127, which is in fluid communication with volume V3124. Volume V4127 may be, for example, a receiver or a tank such as a stirred tank. The first intermediate mixture enters volume V4127 via inlet 128. In volume V4127, the first intermediate mixture is mixed with diatomaceous earth (first granular material). The first intermediate mixture in volume V4127 is stirred to improve mixing of the first intermediate mixture with the diatomaceous earth.

[0416] As shown by the arrows in FIG. 1B, the first intermediate mixture containing diatomaceous earth exits volume V4127 via outlet 129 and is transported to vertical leaf filter 130 (filtering means), which is in fluid communication with volume V4127. The first intermediate mixture containing diatomaceous earth enters vertical leaf filter 130 via inlet 131. The first intermediate mixture flows through leaf filter 130 and is recirculated (not shown) between leaf filter 130 and volume V4127, thereby coating the individual filters of leaf filter 130 with diatomaceous earth. Initially, the filtrate (intermediate mixture) is cloudy. However, once the individual filters are sufficiently coated, the filtrate becomes clear. Once the filtrate is clear, the intermediate mixture exits vertical leaf filter 130 via outlet 132. Vertical leaf filter 130 filters out not only the diatomaceous earth and other particulate matter (i.e., impurities) in the first intermediate mixture, but also any PET flakes that have not been depolymerized into oligomers or BHET. The first intermediate mixture exits vertical leaf filter 130 via outlet 132 and contains only trace amounts of impurities and diatomaceous earth.

[0417] As shown by the arrow in FIG. 1B , the first intermediate mixture exits vertical leaf filter 130 via outlet 132 and is transported to volume V5133, which is in fluid communication with vertical leaf filter 130. The first intermediate mixture enters volume V5133 via inlet 134. Volume V5133 may be, for example, a receiver or a tank such as a rectification tank. Volume V5133 is used to determine and correct the color of the first intermediate mixture. If necessary, at least one colorant is added to the first intermediate mixture in volume V5133. When the at least one colorant is added to the first intermediate mixture, the first intermediate mixture is stirred to better mix the first intermediate mixture with the at least one colorant. The first intermediate mixture, which may include the at least one colorant, leaves volume V5133 via outlet 135.

[0418] FIG. 1C shows a cross-section of a further portion of the assembly from a side view. The first intermediate mixture, which may contain at least one colorant, is transported through outlet 135 to volume V6137, which is in fluid communication with volume V5133. The first intermediate mixture enters volume V6137 through inlet 138. A catalyst and stabilizer may be added to the first intermediate mixture before it enters volume V6137. The PET flakes in the feedstock are obtained by shredding used PET bottles. A catalyst is often added during the production of the PET used in bottles. Therefore, the PET flakes in the feedstock often already contain a catalyst, and additional catalyst addition may not be necessary in the recycling process. Volume V6137 is a prepolymerization reactor in which the oligomers and BHET in the first intermediate mixture are polymerized (increasing the weight-average molar mass of the first intermediate product) to obtain a polymer (a further intermediate product). This results in a further intermediate mixture containing the polymer (i.e., the PET polymer) and MEG. In volume V6137, up to 95% of the excess MEG is evaporated under vacuum conditions. The excess MEG includes both the free MEG that was transported to volume V6 and the bound MEG that was released by polymerization. The further intermediate mixture leaves volume V6137 via outlet 139.

[0419] As shown by the arrow in FIG. 1C , the further intermediate mixture exits volume V6137 via outlet 139 and is transported to volume V7140, which is in fluid communication with volume V6137. The further intermediate mixture enters volume V7140 via inlet 141. Volume V7140 is a polymerization reactor, such as a disc-cage reactor, used to further increase (by polymerization) the weight-average molar mass of the polymer and residual oligomers in the further intermediate mixture. Furthermore, residual MEG in the further intermediate mixture also evaporates under vacuum in volume V7140. The residual MEG includes both the free MEG transported to volume V7 and the bound MEG released by polymerization. The further intermediate mixture, including the further intermediate product, exits volume V7140 via outlet 142. The further intermediate product (i.e., recycled PET) obtained after completion of the polymerization in volume V7140 is in the form of a hot melt. The hot melt can be used to produce yarn (one example of a product) or granules, commonly called chips, which are obtained by extruding the hot melt and cooling it. Thus, a further intermediate product is a further polyester.

[0420] Although not shown, the transport of the first intermediate mixture between volumes V3, V4, V5, V6 and the vertical leaf filters is achieved by pumping the first intermediate mixture, which also applies to the further intermediate mixtures, i.e. further intermediate mixtures are pumped between volumes V6 and V7.

[0421] The further intermediate product (not shown) can then be used to produce further products, such as textile yarns. For example, the further intermediate product in molten form is pumped through a spin pack. The spin pack is conceptually similar to a household shower head. The number of openings in the spin pack determines the number of filaments in the yarn produced. The molten further intermediate product stream exiting the spin pack is cooled and coalesces into a single yarn. The single yarn is then wound onto a bobbin. The further intermediate product can also be obtained without using virgin PET. For example, virgin PET monomers and oligomers are not mixed with the first intermediate product prior to polymerization. For example, virgin PET polymer is not mixed with the further intermediate product.

[0422] Returning to Figures 1A and 1B, these figures show that the intrinsic viscosity of PET flakes increases with increasing values ​​of Y IV,1 The PET flakes are transported in a first direction that is at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity, and the intrinsic viscosity of the PET flakes reaches a value Y IV,2 indicates that the PET flakes are transported in a further direction at least partially along the direction of gravity when Y IV,1 and Y IV,2 represents a variable, and Y IV,1 >Y IV,2 (It is).

[0423] As shown in FIG. 1A, after contacting with MEG in volume V1103, the PET flakes are transported to volume V2108 along direction 110, which is at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity 161. In volume V2108, the PET flakes are transported in transport direction 118, which is opposite to the direction of gravity 161; i.e., the average transport direction of the PET flakes in volume V2108 is upward. In the context of FIG. 1A, a first direction can be defined as the direction from the bottom 107 of volume V1103 to the outlet 122 of volume V2108. However, the foregoing should not be considered as a general definition of the first direction. Transporting PET (e.g., in the form of flakes) in a first direction generally occurs when the intrinsic viscosity of the PET fragments (e.g., in the form of flakes) reaches a value Y IV,1As far as the above is concerned, it should be understood to mean that the PET fragments are transported at least partially against the direction of gravity.

[0424] As shown in Figure 1B, as the PET flakes enter volume V3 124 through inlet 125, the PET flakes are transported along direction 136, which is aligned with the direction of gravity 161. In the context of Figure 1B, direction 136 defines a further direction. However, the foregoing should not be considered as a general definition of a further direction. Transporting the PET (e.g., in the form of flakes) in a further direction generally occurs when the intrinsic viscosity of the PET fragments (e.g., in the form of flakes) reaches a value Y IV,2 The following should be understood to mean that the PET fragments are transported at least partially along the direction of gravity. However, if the PET is being depolymerized, the PET oligomers and / or monomers may be transported against or along the direction of gravity.

[0425] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram 200 showing how the angle between a yet further direction 210 and a horizontal plane 214 is measured. The horizontal plane 214 is perpendicular to the direction of gravity 261. This angle is measured as the smallest angle between the yet further direction 210 and the horizontal plane 214. This is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In each of these figures, angle 262 is defined as the angle between the yet further direction 210 and the horizontal plane 214, not the angle relative to 263.

[0426] Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating steps of one embodiment of a method 300 for producing a first intermediate product, in accordance with the present invention. Optional steps in Figure 3 are indicated by dashed boxes. A description of the method steps is provided below.

[0427] [Table 5]

[0428] In one aspect of the embodiment of Figure 3, steps 304 and 305 are preferably performed at least partially concurrently. In one aspect of the embodiment of Figure 3, steps 307 and 308 are preferably performed at least partially concurrently.

[0429] Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating steps of one embodiment of a method 400 for producing a further intermediate product according to the present invention. Optional steps in Figure 4 are indicated by dashed boxes. A description of the method steps is provided below.

[0430] [Table 6]

[0431] In one aspect of the embodiment of Figure 4, step 405 is preferably performed at least partially simultaneously with at least one or all of steps 402 and 405. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a further intermediate product according to the present invention includes steps 401-405 in addition to steps 301-315 of Figure 3. For example, the steps of Figure 3 can be combined with the steps of Figure 4, where the steps of Figure 3 are performed before the steps of Figure 4. In such a combination, the optional steps described in Figures 3 and 4 remain optional.

[0432] Figure 5 shows how the orientation of a direction relative to gravity is defined. Figure 5A shows a direction 570 that is at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity 561. Direction 570 can be decomposed into three components. Direction 570 has a component 571 that is parallel to the direction of gravity 561 and a component 572 that is perpendicular to the direction of gravity (the other component perpendicular to the direction of gravity is not shown). The direction of component 571 is opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0433] Figure 5B shows a direction 570 that is at least partially aligned with the direction of gravity 561. Similar to Figure 5A, direction 570 has a component 571 that is parallel to the direction of gravity 561 and a component 572 that is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. However, in contrast to Figure 5A, the direction of component 571 in Figure 5B is aligned with the direction of gravity.

[0434] An SEM image of PET flakes is shown in Figure 7. Impurities on the surface of the PET flakes can be identified as white particles. Three impurities 781a, 781b, and 781c are shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 is an example of an SEM image for determining the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one type of impurity.

[0435] FIG. 8 shows the pore size distribution of the first granular material. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the first granular material has modes at approximately 17,100 nm, 15,100 nm, 12,300 nm, 10,600 nm, and 9,300 nm. A mode is a location where the quantity dV / dlogD has a maximum value (either a local maximum or a global maximum). dV is the differential volume, and dlogD is the differential of the logarithm of the pore size of the first granular material. The first mode refers to the global maximum of dV / dlogD. The second mode refers to the second largest maximum of dV / dlogD. FIG. 8 also shows the cumulative pore volume of the first granular material.

[0436] Figure 9 is a diagram of a test method for determining the mass ratio of raw materials, more preferably the first polyester and the first organic compound, in volume V1. Figure 9 shows an enlarged cross-section of volume V1 103 in Figure 1A (for illustrative purposes, the dimensions of volume V1 103 in Figure 9 have been modified compared to the dimensions of volume V1 in Figure 1A).

[0437] The first initial mixture 105 in the volume V1 is divided into multiple heights H as shown in FIG. 9. The first height H1 is bounded by the bottom 107 of the volume V1 103 and the height A1, the second height H2 is bounded by the heights A1 and A2, and so on. The final height H6 is bounded by the height A5 and the surface 106 of the first initial mixture 105. While FIG. 9 shows six heights H, the number of heights is determined by the fill height of the first initial mixture 105 in the volume V1 103. Except for the last height H6 bounded by the surface of the first initial mixture (FIG. 9), each height of the heights must be 20 cm. For example, if the fill height of the first initial mixture in the volume V1 is 150 cm, the first initial mixture is divided into eight heights, seven of which are 20 cm high, and the final height is 10 cm high. The height of the first height portion H1 bounded by the base 107 is measured from the lowest point of the base 107.

[0438] At each height, five samples of the first initial mixture are taken. Each sample has a volume of 250 ml. All samples are then combined to obtain one aggregate sample. The mass ratio is determined using the aggregate sample.

[0439] If volume V1 is agitated during normal operation of the PET recycling process, samples should be taken while volume V1 is agitated. In this case, the five samples taken at a height should be taken at the same location within that height, with two consecutive samples taken two minutes apart. This is shown in Figure 9, where the five samples at height H1 are taken at location B1, with the samples taken two minutes apart. The locations for taking the five samples within a height can be anywhere within that height.

[0440] If the agitation means is a physical agitation means (e.g., 164 in FIG. 9) that cannot take samples below a certain height, then the lowest height A at which a sample can be taken without interfering with the agitation means ismin is substituted for the bottom 107 in the above procedure, that is, the first height portion is A min The new height I, adjusted to the presence of the stirring means 164, is shown in Figure 9. Like height H, height I also has a height of 20 cm, except for height I5, which is bounded by surface 106.

[0441] If volume V1 is not agitated during normal operation of the PET recycling process, the five samples taken at one height should be taken at positions evenly spaced perpendicular to the height of the first initial mixture, as shown as positions C1 through C5 in Figure 9. [Example]

[0442] The present invention is further illustrated by examples. The present invention is not limited to the examples. In the tables shown in the examples, the magnitude of the technical effect is indicated by one or more "-" or "+". The grades, arranged from lowest to highest, are "---, --, -, +, ++, +++".

[0443] Basic Setup Unless otherwise specified, the basic setup described below applies to all examples.

[0444] A raw material containing PET flakes is provided. Used PET bottles are processed (e.g., shredded) to obtain PET flakes. The PET flakes are subjected to the method steps described in FIG. 1A. In other words, the PET flakes are transported through volumes V1 and V2. Volume V2 has a first zone and a further zone. In both volumes V1 and V2, the PET flakes are contacted with MEG. Note that the presence of volumes V1 and V2 is not essential for the following examples. The following parameters are used for volume V1: a PET to MEG mass ratio in the range of 0.06 to 0.25, a temperature in the range of 60°C to 65°C, a pressure in the range of 98 kPa to 103 kPa, and a residence time in the range of 20 to 30 minutes. The following parameters are used for volume V2: a PET to MEG mass ratio at the inlet of volume V2 in the range of 0.3 to 0.5, a PET to MEG mass ratio at the outlet of volume V2 in the range of 5 to 20, a temperature in the range of 60°C to 200°C, an overpressure in the range of 4 kPa to 8 kPa, and a residence time in the range of 110 minutes to 150 minutes.

[0445] As described in Figure 1B, the PET flakes are then transported from volume V2 to volume V3 (the glycolysis reactor). The PET flakes in volume V3 are also contacted with MEG. The following parameters are used for the glycolysis process in volume V3: a temperature in the range of 195°C to 240°C, an overpressure in the range of 0.7 kPa to 0.9 kPa, and a residence time in the range of 250 minutes to 420 minutes.

[0446] As a result of depolymerization (by glycolysis) in V3, a first intermediate mixture containing BHET, PET oligomers, and free MEG is obtained. The first intermediate mixture contains 85% to 93% by weight of the first intermediate product (BHET and PET oligomers), with the remainder of the first intermediate mixture being made up of free MEG and remaining impurities (which are filtered out). The weight percentage values ​​are based on the total mass of the first intermediate mixture.

[0447] As described in FIG. 1B, the intermediate product is transported from volume V3 to volume V4. The first intermediate mixture is stirred in volume V4 while the first particulate material is added to the first intermediate mixture. The temperature in volume V4 is in the range of 165° C. to 185° C. The residence time in volume V4 is in the range of 120 minutes to 240 minutes.

[0448] At this stage, the first intermediate mixture containing the first particulate matter is transported from volume V4 to a filtration means, where the first intermediate mixture is subjected to a filtration step, which also includes a pre-coating step as described in Figure 1B. The temperature within the filtration means is in the range of 165°C to 185°C, and the pressure within the filtration means is in the range of 250 kPa to 350 kPa.

[0449] The filtered first intermediate mixture is then subjected to polymerization as described in Figure 1C, thus obtaining recycled PET, which is then used to produce yarn.

[0450] Example 1 Example 1 was conducted using diatomaceous earth as the first particulate material. The example was repeated using different samples of diatomaceous earth with different median pore sizes, as shown in Table 1.

[0451] [Table 7]

[0452] The technical effects listed in Table 1 are as follows: Total impurities removed: The mass of impurities removed by the filtration means. It is desirable to increase the mass of impurities removed. Removal of impurities with particle size less than 5 μm: How effectively can a filtration means remove impurities with a size less than 10 μm? It is desirable to increase the effectiveness of removing these impurities. Number of clogs in the filtration means: clogs may occur in the filtration means as a result of the first particulate matter. It is desirable to reduce the number of clogs, i.e., to reduce at least one of the severity of the clogs and the frequency with which these clogs occur. Energy required for filtration: the energy required to filter the first intermediate mixture (containing oligomers and MEG). For example, if more or more powerful pumps are required, this increases the energy required. It is desirable to reduce the energy required. Pressure drop in the filter: This is the drop in pressure measured from the inlet to the outlet of the filter. Lower pressure drop is desirable as it reduces mechanical stress on the filter and other parts of the recycling plant. Filter Capacity Ratio: How much of the first intermediate mixture can be filtered before the filter becomes clogged. Increasing the amount filtered before clogging is desired. Values ​​are relative to Example 1.4. In other words, values ​​less than 1.00 indicate a smaller amount before clogging compared to Example 1.4, and values ​​greater than 1.00 indicate a larger amount before clogging compared to Example 1.4. Breaks per ton of yarn: Recycled PET is used to make yarn. It is desirable to produce yarn that breaks less frequently, i.e., to reduce breaks per ton. Yarn color quality: Before adding colorants, yarns produced by the recycling process generally have an undesirable yellowish color (poor color quality). It is desirable to produce yarns with Hunter Lab color coordinates of an L value of at least 73 and a b value in the range of 3-5.

[0453] Example 2 Example 2 was performed using different first particulate materials as shown in Table 2. For these examples, the median pore size of the first particulate material ranged from 10,000 nm to 20,000 nm.

[0454] [Table 8]

[0455] The technical effects in Table 2 are the same as those in Table 1, with the following additions: Filter life: The number of hours a filter in a recycling plant can be used before it needs to be cleaned or replaced. This is, for example, a filter used to filter the first intermediate mixture containing oligomers obtained from depolymerized PET flakes. It is desirable to extend the filter's life.

[0456] Unless otherwise specified, the above "basic setup" also applies to the following examples. In the tables shown in the following examples, the magnitude of the technical effect is indicated by one or more "-" or "+". The scales, ordered from lowest to highest, are "-----, -----, ----, ---, --, -, +, ++, +++, ++++, +++++, ++++++". The value "Ref" indicates a reference value, i.e., the increase or decrease in the technical effect is a relative value to the "Ref" value. The value "0" indicates no change relative to the reference value. When the "Ref" value is used, the scales, ordered from lowest to highest, are "------, -----, ----, ---, --, -, Ref, +, ++, +++, ++++, +++++, ++++++".

[0457] Example 3 Example 3 was conducted using diatomaceous earth as the first particulate material. The example was repeated using different samples of diatomaceous earth with different median pore sizes, as shown in Table 3.

[0458] [Table 9]

[0459] The technical effects in Table 3 are the same as those in Table 1.

[0460] Example 4 Example 4 was repeated using samples of the first particulate material with different pH values, as shown in Table 4. For these examples, the median pore size of the first particulate material ranged from 10,000 nm to 20,000 nm.

[0461] The resulting recycled PET is used to make textile yarns. The recycled PET in molten form is pumped through a spin pack, which is conceptually similar to a household shower head. The number of openings in the spin pack determines the number of filaments in the yarn produced. The molten PET stream exiting the spin pack is cooled and coalesced into a single yarn. The single yarn is then wound onto a bobbin. Hot melt is also used to make PET chips by extruding and cooling the hot melt.

[0462] [Table 10]

[0463] The technical effects listed in Table 4 are as follows: Diethylene glycol formation: This is the formation of diethylene glycol as a by-product in the first intermediate mixture before polymerization. It is desirable to reduce the formation of diethylene glycol. Polydispersity index of the molecular weight distribution of the PET polymer: This is the polydispersity index of the recycled PET polymer obtained after polymerization. A narrower polydispersity index is desirable. Chip color: After polymerization is complete, PET chips made from recycled PET melts should have a Hunter Lab color coordinate with an L value of at least 80 and a b value in the range of 2-4. Colorants can be used to improve the color coordinates during the recycling process, but it is desirable to reduce the amount of colorant used. However, if the color quality is poor, it is generally impossible to improve the color by adding colorants. Uniformity of dyeing of yarn: Yarns obtained from recycled PET are dyed. It is desirable to reduce color variations along the length of the yarn.

[0464] Example 5 Example 5 was conducted using diatomaceous earth as the first particulate material. The example was repeated using different temperature ranges of the filtration means, as shown in Table 5. For these examples, the median pore size of the first particulate material ranged from 10,000 nm to 20,000 nm. Additionally, the melting temperature of the first intermediate product ranged from greater than 120°C to 130°C.

[0465] [Table 11]

[0466] The technical effects in Table 5 are the same as those in Table 1, but with the following additional technical effects: UV-Visible Absorption Change: The change in the absorption spectrum of the first intermediate product measured over the wavelength range of 300 nm to 800 nm. The change is determined by comparing the absorption spectrum measured upstream of the filtration means with the absorption spectrum measured downstream of the filtration means. It is desirable to reduce the UV-Visible absorption change (reducing the difference between the absorption spectrum measured upstream of the filtration means and the absorption spectrum measured downstream of the filtration means). Filter life: See Table 2.

[0467] Example 6 The examples were repeated for different weight percentages of oligomer and BHET in the first intermediate product (BHET and PET oligomer), as shown in Table 6. The intermediate product constitutes part of the first intermediate mixture. Table 6 shows the weight percentage of oligomer having repeating units in the range of 2 to 35. Less than 1 weight percent of the intermediate product is in the form of oligomers having more than 35 repeating units. The remaining weight percentage of the first intermediate product is made up of BHET. The weight percentage values ​​are based on the total mass of the first intermediate product. For these examples, the median pore size of the first particulate material ranges from 10,000 nm to 20,000 nm, and the temperature within the filtration means ranges from 170°C to 195°C.

[0468] [Table 12]

[0469] The technical effects in Table 6 are the same as those in Table 5. Note that for Table 6, the change in UV-visible absorption spectrum is not measured directly upstream and downstream of the filtration means. Rather, the upstream absorption spectrum is measured by taking a sample of the first intermediate product from volume V4. The downstream absorption spectrum is measured before adding the colorant.

[0470] Example 7 The examples were repeated for different weight percentages of the first intermediate product (BHET and PET oligomer) in the first intermediate mixture, as shown in Table 7. The weight percentage values ​​are based on the total mass of the first intermediate mixture. For these examples, the median pore size of the first particulate material ranged from 10,000 nm to 20,000 nm, and the temperature within the filtration means ranged from 170°C to 195°C.

[0471] [Table 13]

[0472] The technical effects in Table 7 are the same as those in Table 6, but with the following additional technical effects: Recycling plant throughput: The amount of PET that can be recycled per day at a recycling plant (measured in tons per day). Increasing throughput is desirable.

[0473] Similar to Table 6, the changes in UV-visible absorption spectra in Table 7 are not measured directly upstream and downstream of the filtration means. Rather, the upstream absorption spectrum is measured by taking a sample of the first intermediate product from volume V4. The downstream absorption spectrum is measured before adding the colorant. [Explanation of symbols]

[0474] 100 Further assemblies and methods for producing polyesters 101 Raw materials 102 Hopper 103 Volume part V1 104 Inlet of volume V1 105 1st initial mixture 106 Surface of the first initial mixture 107 Bottom of volume V1 108 Volume part V2 109 Conveying screw 110 Further Directions 111 First organic compound level H1 112 Bottom of volume V2 113 First organic compound level H2 114 Ground 115 First type inlet of volume V2 116 Further types of inlets in volume V2 117 Yet another kind of inlet in volume V2 118 Transport direction 119 Boundary 120 Zone 1 121 Further Zones 122 Outlet of volume V2 123 Outlet of volume V1 124 Volume part V3 125 Inlet of volume V3 126 Outlet of volume V3 127 Volume part V4 128 Inlet of volume V4 129 Outlet of volume V4 130 Vertical Leaf Filter 131 Vertical leaf filter inlet 132 Vertical leaf filter outlet 133 Volume part V5 134 Inlet of volume V5 135 Outlet of volume V5 136 Direction of flow through volume V3 137 Volume section V6 138 Inlet of volume V6 139 Outlet of volume V6 140 Volume part V7 141 Inlet of volume V7 142 Outlet of volume V7 143 Inlet of volume V3 144 Transport Pipe 161 Direction of Gravity 200 Measurement of angles between further directions and the horizontal plane 210 Further Directions 214 Horizontal plane 261 Direction of Gravity 262 Angles defining the orientation of further directions relative to the horizontal plane 263 Incorrect Angle 500 Directions 561 Gravity Direction 570 directions 571 Component parallel to gravity 572 Component perpendicular to gravity 700 SEM images used to determine the number of particles per unit area of ​​impurities 781 Impurities

Claims

1. Step a. providing a feedstock comprising a first polyester; Preferably, the volume V ３ contacting the first polyester with a further organic compound to obtain a further initial mixture; Preferably, the volume V ３ c) reducing the weight average molar mass of said first polyester to obtain a first intermediate mixture, said first intermediate mixture comprising: i. a first intermediate product; ii. the further organic compound; Step c, including: Preferably, the volume V ４ adding a first particulate material to the first intermediate mixture; a step e) of pre-coating a filtering means with said first particulate material; f) at least partially removing at least one impurity from the first intermediate mixture using the filtering means; Including, A method for producing a first intermediate product, wherein the median pore diameter of the first particulate material is in the range of 5 μm to 20 μm.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first polyester is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyester carbonate, polyarylate, polyester resin, and combinations of two or more thereof.

3. The further organic compound is a. the property of containing at least two hydroxyl groups; b. A molar mass of at least 60 g / mol; c. A boiling point of at least 192°C; 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one or all of:

4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein at least 40% by weight of the first intermediate product is in the form of an oligomer having repeat units in the range of 2 to 35.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pore size distribution of the first particulate material has at least one mode in the range of 8000 nm to 20000 nm.

6. the pore size distribution of the first particulate material has at least two modes in the range of 8,000 nm to 20,000 nm; a. at least one mode is in the range of 8000 nm to 15000 nm; b. At least one mode is in the range >15,000 nm to 20,000 nm The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the pore size distribution of the first particulate material has at least one first mode in the range of 9,000 nm to 15,000 nm and at least one further mode in the range of >15,000 nm to 20,000 nm, and the ratio of the first mode to the further mode is in the range of 0.30 to 1.

00.

8. The first particulate material is a. The cumulative pore volume of pores with diameters in the range of 9,000 nm to 20,000 nm is 0.6 cm ３ / g ~ 1.9 cm ３ / g range, b. The cumulative pore volume of pores with diameters in the range of 10,000 nm to 15,000 nm is 0.5 cm ３ / g ~ 1.4 cm ３ / g range, c, the cumulative pore volume of pores with diameters in the range of >15,000 nm to 20,000 nm is 0.10 cm ３ / g to 0.80 cm ３ / g range. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one or all of:

9. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first particulate material is selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, activated clay, diatomaceous earth, perlite, bentonite, cellulose, and combinations of at least two thereof.

10. Step a) of providing a first intermediate mixture comprising a first intermediate product obtained by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9; Preferably, the volume V ６ b) increasing the weight-average molar mass of the first intermediate product in the first intermediate mixture to obtain a further intermediate mixture comprising a further intermediate product; A method for producing a further intermediate product, comprising:

11. A first intermediate product obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A further intermediate product obtainable by the method of claim 10.

13. 13. An article of manufacture comprising the further intermediate product of claim 12.

14. 12. Use of the first intermediate product of claim 11 in the manufacture of a further intermediate product.

15. 13. Use of the further intermediate product according to claim 12 in the manufacture of a product.

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